Tekmetric transformed my shop. Plain and simple. Want that for yours? Touch HERE

When I used the maintenance tool for the fist time with Detect Auto, my mind was blown. My advisors had the same reaction - and then SO MUCH MORE TIME. Learn more about Detect Auto and book a free demo now! 

AI for Shop Owners: Open the Hood of the Future is happening June 12-13 at Carfix in Raleigh, NC. Use AI to your advantage! Register HERE

In this episode, Matt Lofton and Mike Allen talk through Mike's shop's performance in March. Matt talks about the importance of pre-building estimates and leveraging tools like Detect Auto to maximize tech average quote and streamline workflow. Mat also shares his approach to combating misleading "vanity flush" services in the market, emphasizing transparent communication with customers.

Timestamps:
00:00 – The “Vanity Flush” Confession: Why $99 Services Aren’t What You Think
02:24 – eBay Hero Cards, Shop Swag, and Why Autographs Still Matter
04:14 – Record First Quarter, March Recap, and Looking Ahead
05:50 – Fly With the Eagles Recap: What High Performers are Learning
08:52 – DIY Shop AI: How to Create Your Own AI Agents and Save Big
12:03 – Struggling with Close Rates? Blame (or Bless) Your Advisor
14:09 – Prebuilding Estimates for Maximum Tech ARO
16:13 – Setting Up Customers: Deferred Work, Maintenance, and Upsells
17:33 – BG Programs, Fluid Service Sales, and Overcoming Industry Myths
20:01 – How Corporate Store Pricing Drives Shortcuts (and Dirty Tricks)
23:05 – Value-Add vs. Price-Only: The Ruth’s Chris Cheeseburger Analogy
24:49 – How to Fill Tomorrow’s Bays with Opportunity, Not Just Oil Changes
28:16 – The Pit Stop Program: Getting Customers Back 4x Fast
30:48 – The Loyalty Cliff: Retaining vs. Losing First-Time Customers
33:12 – Risky Repairs and the Real Cost of Saying “Yes”
39:45 – Ritz Carlton vs. Motel 6: Finding Your Shop’s Sweet Spot
43:04 – Social Media “Rage Bait”: Marketing Tactics and Lessons Learned
44:58 – Worry About Your Own Shop! Why Community Trumps Competition
48:21 – Peer Groups and Getting Ahead—Why You Shouldn’t Go It Alone

Turnkey Marketing has made my life SOOO much simpler, AND they've helped keep the phone ringing. Do you need these two things too? Learn more HERE

Elite Worldwide coaching has changed the game for me and my shop. Need a boost? Use Elite like I do. HERE

AI for Shop Owners: Open the Hood of the Future is happening June 12-13 at Carfix in Raleigh, NC. Use AI to your advantage! Register HERE

This one was fun - put three popular podcasts in a room for an hour, and you never know what will happen...THIS WAS NO EXCEPTION Today, Lucas Underwood, Mike Allen, and Tonnika Haynes open up about the real challenges of shop ownership, podcasting, and share some crazy stories along the way.They dive deep into the difficulties of managing growth and the importance of setting boundaries—especially when it comes to family businesses and succession planning.

Timestamps:
00:00 Lucas and Mike Make it Awkward
01:42 The infamous Benji story and awkward work gaffes
02:46 How Tonnika went from outsider to industry board member
04:31 Reflecting on diversity, intimidation, and leadership in the industry
06:36 Board politics, cleaning up after the "old guard," and learning the ropes
08:01 Confessions about podcasting: growth, ego boosts, and business neglect
09:37 On loving people (to a fault), hiring headaches, and why feelings can't run a business
12:10 Tough lessons learned: leadership critiques gone wrong
14:05 Reeling back commitments to avoid burnout and family drama
16:45 Discussions about business hours, staff, and shifting industry cultures
19:03 Why every shop is different and one-size-fits-all advice doesn't work
20:13 Coaching, cult-followings, and why shop owners get fiercely loyal
22:44 The weight of influence: why podcasters and coaches impact real lives
24:31 When business coaching turns into a fraternity (and how to break free)
26:20 The coaching gold rush: who's really helping, who's just cashing in
28:33 Podcast production goes legit—systems, processes, SOPs
34:25 Therapy time: handshake deals, business agreements, and life after podcasts
36:32 Family business confessions—succession nightmares, buyout basics, and trust-but-verify
50:43 Lessons learned the hard way—and why you’ll survive
51:33 Practical advice: documentation, buy-outs, and avoiding family business disasters

Tekmetric opened my eyes to just how much a good SMS will do for a shop. Their software is top of the line, and with them, so is my shop. Try them for yourself HERE

Make your techs happier with Detect Auto. They'll stop getting "check noise" or "check vibration" from advisors with the customer concern tool. It will CHANGE YOUR LIFE. Book a demo HERE

AI for Shop Owners: Open the Hood of the Future is happening June 12-13 at Carfix in Raleigh, NC. Use AI to your advantage! Register HERE

Jay Huh is the owner Carmedix in Durham, NC. Today, he tells Mike how he figured out how to run a shop the hard way. After years of struggling, he has built an efficient, highly profitable shop that gives him total freedom. They also talk about ShopFix and what the coaching company is doing after the loss of Aaron Stokes.

Timestamps:
00:00 – Jay's confession on not making enough money
02:17 – Why sharing mistakes online changed everything
04:40 – Living on $1,000 net per shop and barely making it
06:07 – Consolidating down, shop tours, and landing in the “anchor” spot
08:19 – Do we really need so many shop owner groups? Breaking down the division
09:35 – Shop culture, coaching, and why too many owners are still broke
10:45 – Shop Fix vs. other coaching: It’s about heart, not just numbers
13:07 – Haters, jealousy, and why everyone thinks their way is best
14:43 – Growing the right way—efficiency before expansion and protecting family time
15:16 – Let’s talk cruises! Why Speaker A rides MSC and the yacht club life
16:46 – Degenerate gambling confessions: Blackjack, craps, and cruise ship casinos
18:01 – Owning a beach house: Boats, depreciation, and gathering your crew
20:00 – The exit plan: Cashing out vs. the freedom of autopilot shops
21:10 – The guardrails: How Speaker A uses daily numbers, not vibes
23:00 – Forget top-line revenue, focus on real margin
25:17 – Shop meetings, keeping techs and advisors rowing together
26:01 – Why the multi-store “dog” life isn’t for everyone
26:30 – The danger of scaling without the cash to back it up
27:59 – Shop size vs. profit: Luke Walker’s $1M store reality check
29:05 – The secret: Hire high skill, pay well, and net more
31:12 – Money loves speed: Adapting shop processes for today’s customers
32:13 – Show & sell: Finding the urgent fix, but always telling the whole story
35:20 – Ethics, shortcuts, and hiring for integrity
36:05 – Losing Aaron: Leadership, legacy, and moving Shop Fix forward
39:14 – What’s next? Shop Fix’s plan and why the mission’s stronger than ever

Turnkey Marketing takes the stress of doing something I'm not good at off my plate. And gives it to someone who is. Click HERE for more.

Elite Worldwide has CHANGED my business and life through their one-on-one coaching. Use them like I do HERE

AI for Shop Owners: Open the Hood of the Future is happening June 12-13 at Carfix in Raleigh, NC. Use AI to your advantage! Register HERE

Seth Thorson and Keith Perkins own shops and are both on the NASTF board. Today, they talk about AI and how shop owners can leverage Chat GPTs and Chrome extensions to streamline operations and keep their customer data protected. Keith weighs in on the future of technician roles, pointing out that while robotics and AI may eventually change the landscape, hands-on skills and adaptability will be critical for years to come.

Timestamps:
00:00 Techs replaced by AI?

06:25 AI and data ownership

09:41 Learning the GTP foundation

10:18 Teaching effective coding practices

13:15 Teaching basic and premium features

17:19 Using AI to access online data

20:20 Circuit City vs. Best Buy insights

25:37 Son considering trade school program

31:28 Starting with the basics

35:48 Putting in extra effort

37:22 Learning through hard work

42:59 Michael Brody-Waite's leadership approach

43:38 Seth's class for shop owners

49:18 Concerns about AI and human thinking

51:12 NAPA's augmented reality training

53:32 Balancing textbook learning and hands-on

56:37 Mike's 90-day check-in

Tekmetric transformed my shop. Plain and simple. Want that for yours? Touch HERE

When I used the maintenance tool for the fist time with Detect Auto, my mind was blown. My advisors had the same reaction - and then SO MUCH MORE TIME. Learn more about Detect Auto and book a free demo now! 

AI for Shop Owners: Open the Hood of the Future is happening June 12-13 at Carfix in Raleigh, NC. Use AI to your advantage! Register HERE

Hunt Demarest is a CPA with Paar, Melis, and Associates. Today, he joins Mike to talk shop financials, tax credits, and private equity. Hunt breaks down why consistent improvement—just 3% better each quarter—is more sustainable than chasing explosive growth. He offers a candid warning about risky investments, sharing his own hard lesson with a too-good-to-be-true real estate scheme. Finally, Hunt dives into the rise of private equity buying up repair shops, explaining how that's driving up valuations and changing the market for owners looking to sell.

Timestamps:
00:00 Incremental improvement beats unrealistic growth—why 3% better every quarter wins
01:10 Teaching personal finance at Vision 2026 (and why accountants don’t read your Social Security statements)
02:07 The truth about R&D tax credits and audit nightmares
03:44 What you must ask before taking any credit—defending yourself at audit time
05:03 Hunt’s background: how he got into auto repair accounting
08:08 Will AI replace your bookkeeper or CPA? Real talk, not hype
10:32 Why shop owners need to understand financial statements & what current ratio means for your cash
12:18 Managing AR, cash flow, and the case for paying vendors weekly
14:43 Shop profitability: 8 months out of 12 is the norm, not the exception
15:43 Trends: The scale and extremes of shop margins have changed MASSIVELY
17:21 Labor rates at $386/hr and what actually drives profit
18:54 The 20% net profit “gold standard”—and who really gets there
19:34 Why comparing owner compensation plus net income tells the real story
21:26 What’s the average net profit for shops? (Spoiler: it’s better than you think)
22:15 Beware public “industry average” surveys—actual profits vs. reported tax returns
23:01 Why working with an industry-specialized CPA beats a generic accountant every time
24:14 The inner circle: who should be on your financial “advisory board”
25:00 The most common (and WRONG) beliefs about shop accounting
29:53 Hunt’s biggest personal mistake: the $25k investment gone wrong (and what to learn from it)
32:10 Private equity: what’s happening, who’s buying, and what it means for YOUR exit
36:10 Should you sell now? How PE offers stack up vs. passing to family
37:06 Why PE doesn’t care about your P&L—sometimes it’s all about your customer count
38:02 Final thoughts, lessons learned, and why even the pros get it wrong sometimes

Turnkey Marketing has made my life SOOO much simpler, AND they've helped keep the phone ringing. Do you need these two things too? Learn more HERE

Elite Worldwide coaching has changed the game for me and my shop. Need a boost? Use Elite like I do. HERE

AI for Shop Owners: Open the Hood of the Future is happening June 12-13 at Carfix in Raleigh, NC. Use AI to your advantage! Register HERE

In this episode, Mike Allen and Matt Lofton go deep on the realities of starting a business partnership. Mike Allen shares lessons learned from his own experiences establishing partnerships, emphasizing the importance of clear agreements and communication. Matt Lofton draws from his experience with both successful and failed partnerships, highlighting the dangers of handshake deals and the need for thorough “what-if” planning.

Timestamps:
00:00 "Spring Break, Partnerships, Feedback"

03:17 "Partnerships: Risks and Considerations"

08:27 "Clear Terms Before Partnerships"

11:39 "Dissolved Partnership and Planning"

15:49 "Partnerships and Business Assets"

19:43 Private Equity Incentives Explained

21:55 "Effectiveness of Profit-Based Incentives"

26:23 "Financial Deep Dive Workshops"

29:27 "Key Points in Partnership Agreements"

31:14 "What-If Scenarios and Alignment"

38:38 "Managing Business Equity Dynamics"

41:50 "Front-End Business Agreement Setup"

45:03 "Revisit Business Agreements Regularly"

47:35 "Partnership Structure and Agreements"

52:26 "High-Value Networking & Insights"

53:38 "Best Shop Owners Seek Growth"

Tekmetric opened my eyes to just how much a good SMS will do for a shop. Their software is top of the line, and with them, so is my shop. Try them for yourself HERE

Make your techs happier with Detect Auto. They'll stop getting "check noise" or "check vibration" from advisors with the customer concern tool. It will CHANGE YOUR LIFE. Book a demo HERE

AI for Shop Owners: Open the Hood of the Future is happening June 12-13 at Carfix in Raleigh, NC. Use AI to your advantage! Register HERE

Travis May and Mike Martin are shop owners who coach with Elite Worldwide. Matt Lofton, as many of you know, is the Director of Coaching for Elite (and my personal coach/therapist). Today, we all talk about how having coaches through Elite have literally changed our lives and helped us in ways we may never be able to truly explain.

Timestamps:
00:00 Falling in love with your own success: Absentee ownership pitfalls
01:08 Meet the guests: Legacies, buyouts, and shop owner backgrounds
05:21 The journey to Elite: Why top shop owners chose coaching
06:30 Humbling lessons—how the Elite Master Service Advisor program changes everything
10:09 Accountability, habit-building, and real growth with ongoing coaching
12:17 2025 Recap: Big wins, tough months, and lessons learned
14:31 The owner’s struggle: Profit discipline & staying out of “the cookie jar”
16:02 Finally closing the building deal: How perseverance pays off
17:19 Navigating post-pandemic reality: The “sugar rush” is over
18:46 Big goals for 2026: Celebrating wins—and moving forward
20:40 The power of taking action: Why implementation beats excuses
23:45 Personal growth, team impact, and communicating with your staff
24:32 Best event takeaways: Coffee Bean Analogy & daily goal setting
28:15 Why community events and peer networks make all the difference
33:11 Biggest struggles today: Generational gaps & trusting your process
38:55 Parting wisdom: If you don’t have a coach, get one!

Turnkey Marketing takes the stress of doing something I'm not good at off my plate. And gives it to someone who is. Click HERE for more.

Elite Worldwide has CHANGED my business and life through their one-on-one coaching. Use them like I do HERE

AI for Shop Owners: Open the Hood of the Future is happening June 12-13 at Carfix in Raleigh, NC. Use AI to your advantage! Register HERE

Ash Kaplan is first and formost a friend of the show. Secondly, she's the founder of Golden Hour Garage. Today, Mike learns all about Ash and the new adventure of buisness owernship she's on. Ash Kaplan shares her vision for Golden Hour Garage, focusing on optimizing efficiency for shops through remote estimate building, warranty processing, and innovative advisor training. The conversation also highlights the importance of building meaningful customer relationships, as well as the value of attending industry events like the ASTA Expo for personal and professional growth.

Learn more about Golden Hour Garage HERE

Timestamps:
00:00 "Ignite 2026 Wrap-Up Reflection"

05:28 "Golden Hour Garage Vision"

09:25 Intentional Onboarding and Quality Control

12:14 "Warranty Costs vs Estimate Service"

14:21 "Streamlined Warranty Estimate Solutions"

17:58 "Empowering Shops Through Connections"

21:23 "Optimizing Processes for Transparency"

25:46 "Adapting for Growth in Business"

27:27 Struggling to Sustain Employee Growth

30:18 Do You Use a Bidet?

35:51 "Free Beer Disappointment"

38:18 Customized Pricing Approach Explained

41:48 "Life-Changing ASTA Experience"

42:42 "Red String Connections"

48:06 Maximize Networking at Trade Shows

49:28 "Breaking Isolation in the Industry"

54:24 "AI Phone Systems Discussion"

Tekmetric transformed my shop. Plain and simple. Want that for yours? Touch HERE

When I used the maintenance tool for the fist time with Detect Auto, my mind was blown. My advisors had the same reaction - and then SO MUCH MORE TIME. Learn more about Detect Auto and book a free demo now! 

AI for Shop Owners: Open the Hood of the Future is happening June 12-13 at Carfix in Raleigh, NC. Use AI to your advantage! Register HERE

Joe Marconi and Sabrina Wilkerson are with the best coaching company in the world: Elite Worldwide. Today, they and Mike talk about how to build a strong, service-oriented shop culture. Sabrina shares how the Elite Masters program aims for long-term behavioral change with advisors, blending bootcamp-style training with months of accountability. Joe explains how Fly with the Eagles evolved to help not just shop owners but managers, advisors, and lead techs master the business side of operations.

Timestamps:
00:00 "Elite's Culture and Purpose"

04:32 "Fly with the Eagles Commitment"

07:53 Advisor Training with Long-Term Impact

10:22 Evolving Shop Owner Training Workshop

14:17 "Client Auto Repair Struggles"

17:41 Customer Experience Over Details

21:08 Creating Welcoming Customer Experiences

22:51 "Touchpoint Process Optimization"

27:21 "Record Year, Growing Partnerships"

32:22 "Topshop 180: Foundational Support Program"

35:20 Inspired Writing Journey

37:12 Trust the Process

42:53 "Smart Room Change Request"

Turnkey Marketing has made my life SOOO much simpler, AND they've helped keep the phone ringing. Do you need these two things too? Learn more HERE

Elite Worldwide coaching has changed the game for me and my shop. Need a boost? Use Elite like I do. HERE

AI for Shop Owners: Open the Hood of the Future is happening June 12-13 at Carfix in Raleigh, NC. Use AI to your advantage! Register HERE

Carrie-Lynn Rodenberg is the founder of Turnkey Marketing. Carrie-Lynn explains how her team uses advanced, but fully legal, geo-targeted digital marketing to help auto repair shops reach customers right when they need services. Together, they reflect on the challenges and responsibilities that come with rapid business growth, especially as Carrie-Lynn balances running a large team and raising a family. Finally, they share honest confessions about time management, the dangers of distractions (like doomscrolling), and the evolving role of a business leader.

Timestamps:
00:00 Kicking off with shock collars for kids and hidden fences
01:02 The power of geo-targeted marketing and “Big Brother” advertising
03:33 Is hyper-targeted marketing actually legal? Carrie-Lynn explains
05:14 Shop owner confessions: When your marketing team knows you better than you know yourself
07:48 Growing the team: Challenges of explosive business growth
09:58 Parenting confessions: Having 3 kids in under 4 years
10:59 Letting go: Why shop kids don’t need to be bubble wrapped
12:03 Childhood nostalgia: Drinking from the hose and living to tell the tale
14:16 The emotional cost of success: Stepping up and supporting your team
17:01 How to keep evolving as a leader—and why it matters
18:00 Structuring your goals (without losing your mind)
20:05 When shiny objects (like podcasts) derail your business
21:26 The trap of doom scrolling and living with intention
24:11 Building real connections versus losing time on social media
25:06 Next-level onboarding: How Turnkey Marketing works with new shops
28:04 Shop marketing myths: Grocery store receipts and bus benches? No thanks!

Tekmetric opened my eyes to just how much a good SMS will do for a shop. Their software is top of the line, and with them, so is my shop. Try them for yourself HERE

Make your techs happier with Detect Auto. They'll stop getting "check noise" or "check vibration" from advisors with the customer concern tool. It will CHANGE YOUR LIFE. Book a demo HERE

AI for Shop Owners: Open the Hood of the Future is happening June 12-13 at Carfix in Raleigh, NC. Use AI to your advantage! Register HERE

Today, Mike Allen is joined by Eric Merchant and Andrew Klement to talk about Eric's recent shop expansion and how Andrew has found IMMEDIATE success with free diag. Yes, he pays he techs, he just doesn't charge the customer for the diag. Don't get your panties in a wad! 

Timestamps:
00:00 The Free Diag Debate: Paying Techs and Shop Owner Risks
00:53 Live from Ignite 2026: Scottsdale (or “Snotsdale”) and Shop Size Rivalries
02:58 Landing Airplanes on Shops & Zeb the Legend
05:46 Meet Andrew: Quitting a Job & Opening His Own Shop
07:58 Used Alignment Machine Drama & DIY Repair Stories
10:00 The Swingline Stapler Mystery – Office Space Reference Exposed
12:11 Barrett-Jackson Recap and Shop Marketing Tactics
14:13 Paying Techs Fairly, Navigating Free Diag, & Owner Lessons Learned
16:32 Charity Work & Community Service: Shop Owner Outreach
18:53 YouTube Fame from Contractor Nightmares
21:26 Confession Call-Ins and Vanity Phone Number Strategies
31:43 Bonus: Crushing Spirits at the Elite Pro Service Racing Challenge
32:56 Alignment Maintenance Advice & $14K in Equipment Headaches
35:14 Wrapping Up: Shop Ownership is Never Boring

Turnkey Marketing takes the stress of doing something I'm not good at off my plate. And gives it to someone who is. Click HERE for more.

Elite Worldwide has CHANGED my business and life through their one-on-one coaching. Use them like I do HERE

AI for Shop Owners: Open the Hood of the Future is happening June 12-13 at Carfix in Raleigh, NC. Use AI to your advantage! Register HERE

In this episode, Mike Allen and Matt Lofton talk about how weather disruptions impact sales at the shop. Matt says that's why it's important to divide yearly goals by 48 weeks instead of 52 to account for lost days. They also discuss employee compensation strategies for inclement weather, highlighting the need for clear PTO policies and communication plans. 

Timestamps:
00:00 Ignite Event Exceeds Expectations

05:31 "January's Weather Impacted Business"

09:20 Weather Days and Compensation Policy

11:31 "Creating Weather Policies for Business"

13:49 "Challenges of Post-Storm Operations"

19:08 Maximizing Car Count Strategies

23:04 "Impact of Snow on Sales"

26:11 "Commitment Over Convenience for Success"

30:10 "Making Prepaid Offers Work"

33:34 Reviving Maintenance Habits Strategically

36:17 "Pre-Booking Boosts Service Sales"

41:20 "Stressful Front Counter Reflections"

44:56 "Pre-Booking Strategy for Success"

45:54 Optimizing Slow Months Momentum

Tekmetric transformed my shop. Plain and simple. Want that for yours? Touch HERE

When I used the maintenance tool for the fist time with Detect Auto, my mind was blown. My advisors had the same reaction - and then SO MUCH MORE TIME. Learn more about Detect Auto and book a free demo now! 

AI for Shop Owners: Open the Hood of the Future is happening June 12-13 at Carfix in Raleigh, NC. Use AI to your advantage! Register HERE

Today, Jamie Caldwell from Jamie's Garage joins Bryan Pollock and Mike Allen as Jamie shares the story of scaling from one stressed-out location to five thriving shops. How? He hired character over skill. They also talk about different pay structures when Jamie shares why his team isn’t paid commissions—and how that’s improved culture and teamwork.

Timestamps:
00:00 "Stolen Truck Insurance Windfall"

04:35 "Extended Warranty Dispute Strategy"

07:59 "Mastering Scripts Before Freestyling"

12:17 "Shifting Focus to Good People"

15:15 European Auto Shop Journey

18:13 Private Equity Impact on Auto Industry

20:07 Future Possibilities and Industry Impact

24:45 Relational vs. Transactional Business

27:22 Hiring Challenges and Compensation Talks

33:57 "Flat Rate vs Teamwork Culture"

38:15 Embracing Transparency in Leadership

41:55 "Discovering TikTok During COVID"

44:33 Race Car Engine Connection

48:59 "Business Over Social Media Earnings"

Turnkey Marketing has made my life SOOO much simpler, AND they've helped keep the phone ringing. Do you need these two things too? Learn more HERE

Elite Worldwide coaching has changed the game for me and my shop. Need a boost? Use Elite like I do. HERE

AI for Shop Owners: Open the Hood of the Future is happening June 12-13 at Carfix in Raleigh, NC. Use AI to your advantage! Register HERE

Todd Speciale is the founder of Make Sales Great Again and best selling author of The Ultimate Sales Bible. Today, he and Mike discuss the reputation of salespeople and the keys to selling with integrity. Todd also shares the story behind his company and book, emphasizing the importance of honesty and culture in building successful sales teams.

Find out more about Todd here

Timestamps:
00:00 Who do people distrust most in sales? 
01:00 Todd’s keynote that broke all Mike’s rules
02:30 Why Todd Speciale speaks—his personal story and passion for helping others
05:06 The real meaning behind “Make Sales Great Again”
07:00 Why Todd left timeshare & how the right sales tactics can change an industry
09:00 Dirty sales: How to SELL and still sleep at night
10:30 Sales from the negative—flipping the pitch with integrity
12:00 Firing the top 1%: Why the best sales aren’t always the best people
14:00 Blocking objections & how to own the conversation
16:05 Who does Todd’s consulting actually help—and how?
18:00 How can auto shops attract high-level sales talent with lower ceiling pay?
19:45 The power of culture: 71% hate their jobs—how to fix that!
21:00 Best industries for ethical sales training—and the truth about training
23:10 Door-to-door horror stories: What it REALLY teaches you
25:30 Who invests the most in their teams? The inside scoop on insurance, real estate, roofing & more
29:35 Inside Todd’s books: The Ultimate Sales Bible & more
33:00 Why the sales process hasn’t changed—but the buyer sure has
36:00 Old school vs. new school: Changing prospects and tactics
38:53 The compensation trap—can performance pay ever reward ethics?
41:00 How to weed out the wrong hires before they cost you
44:20 Where to find great trainable sales talent: Youth, servers, and bartenders
47:00 Mythbusting the “kids don’t want to work” narrative—how to develop the next generation
50:52 How to reach Todd Speciale and learn more

Tekmetric opened my eyes to just how much a good SMS will do for a shop. Their software is top of the line, and with them, so is my shop. Try them for yourself HERE

Make your techs happier with Detect Auto. They'll stop getting "check noise" or "check vibration" from advisors with the customer concern tool. It will CHANGE YOUR LIFE. Book a demo HERE

AI for Shop Owners: Open the Hood of the Future is happening June 12-13 at Carfix in Raleigh, NC. Use AI to your advantage! Register HERE

Nate Winston owns Winston's Complete Auto Care in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. Today, Nate shares with Mike how he and a friend one day decided to start a shop...with ZERO experience in the industry...They talk candidly about the challenges of business partnerships—including the fallout from a partnership built on a handshake deal—and offer hard-won advice for anyone considering opening a shop with a friend.

Like the episode? Call 704-CONFESS or email mike@confessionsofashopowner.com to share your stories or feedback!
 
Timestamps:
00:00 Business Partnerships: Like Marriage...Without the Sex 
02:02 Meet Nate Winston: From Blinds Factory to Auto Shop Owner 
03:29 Starting a Shop with Zero Experience 
06:08 Living in the Shop: Early Struggles as Entrepreneurs 
08:25 Growing the Business & Chamber of Commerce Involvement 
11:47 Partnership Breakup: What Went Wrong? 
14:16 Why Every Partnership Needs an Agreement 
17:17 Building a Business “Prenup” vs. Friendship 
18:23 Opening a New Shop: The Leap to Solo Ownership 
20:17 Coaching, Training & The Value of Events for Shop Owners 
22:50 One-Man Operation: The Challenges and Plans for Hiring 
24:58 Biggest Challenges in 2026 and Beyond 
26:13 Cutting Out Heavy Work: Focusing on the Right Jobs 
28:34 Tektonic 2026 Preview & Vendor Networking 

Turnkey Marketing takes the stress of doing something I'm not good at off my plate. And gives it to someone who is. Click HERE for more.

Elite Worldwide has CHANGED my business and life through their one-on-one coaching. Use them like I do HERE

AI for Shop Owners: Open the Hood of the Future is happening June 12-13 at Carfix in Raleigh, NC. Use AI to your advantage! Register HERE

Jon Cabak is the co-founder and CEO of Detect Auto. Today, he shares with Mike about Detect Auto’s maintenance recommendation tools and talks about their new partnership with BG Products to streamline customer education and shop efficiency. The conversation also explores how AI is already transforming shop operations, from business analysis to coaching service advisors, with Jon sharing practical ways shop owners can leverage these technologies today.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introducing The "Maintenance Recommendation System" & the Struggle for a Good Name
01:05 Jon Cabak's whirlwind trip: Meetings, markets, and minimal sleep
02:11 Jon's goals at C&R AAPEX: Building partnerships and sharing tech
02:47 Who is Jon Cabak? CEO of Detect Auto, building better tools for shops
03:06 How Detect Auto helps service advisors ask the right questions
04:06 New features: BG Products partnership & integrating educational content for customers
05:00 Educating customers with videos, Tekmetric integration dreams
06:16 The power of video explainer tools for maintenance sales
07:13 Coaching new shops: How to launch a maintenance program
07:49 Why shops struggle to sell maintenance—and how to avoid “kitchen sinking” new customers
09:13 Making a maintenance plan not a one-time sales event
10:11 Detect Auto’s printable/PDF maintenance planning tool
11:02 “SUN”: The new name for maintenance—Shit You Need!
11:46 AI’s best use in shop ownership, ChatGPT in action, and practical subscription tips
13:06 Voice tech, call analysis, and smarter prospecting with AI
14:00 Pipe dream or next reality? AI that writes your service tickets
15:00 Using AI for real-time scripts and to improve advisor performance
16:45 Ongoing upgrades: Overcoming latency and training obstacles
18:31 AI for pre-service surveys and reducing customer friction
19:10 Practicing objections and role-playing with voice AI
21:11 Upgrading your AI subscription — Is it worth it?
21:57 Using AI to analyze business trends and shop performance
22:42 Grok, Gemini, Claude: Testing the new AI tools for shops
23:44 Will software engineers be replaced by AI? Real talk about tech careers
25:19 What Detect Auto features are most valuable to shop owners?
27:09 How onboarding and training shops faster drives ROI

Tekmetric transformed my shop. Plain and simple. Want that for yours? Touch HERE

When I used the maintenance tool for the fist time with Detect Auto, my mind was blown. My advisors had the same reaction - and then SO MUCH MORE TIME. Learn more about Detect Auto and book a free demo now! 

AI for Shop Owners: Open the Hood of the Future is happening June 12-13 at Carfix in Raleigh, NC. Use AI to your advantage! Register HERE

Bryce Evans is the founder and editor-in-chief of Auto Service Leader. Today, Bryce and Mike talk about the future of automotive media, the role of independent journalism, and how Auto Service Leader's innovative magazine is reshaping the information gap for shop owners. Their model puts content ahead of advertising, giving readers practical information they can actually use. They also cover the current state of journalism, the challenges of maintaining editorial integrity in today’s click-driven media landscape, and what independent shop owners can do to navigate an industry rapidly changing due to private equity and consolidation.

See Auto Service Leader's work HERE

Timestamps:
00:00 Can True Investigative Journalism Survive Today’s Media Landscape?
01:05 Auto Service Leader’s Magazine Model – No Ads, Just Content
03:27 Building a Consistent Brand & Publication Experience
05:00 How Shops & Partners Get Featured in Auto Service Leader
06:19 Bryce Evans’ B2B Publishing Background & Ratchet Wrench Insights
08:46 Filling the Information Gap: What Shop Owners Really Need
09:53 Auto Service Leader’s Searchable Resource Hub Explained
11:09 What’s Next for Auto Service Leader in 2026?
13:12 Bryce Evans’ Journey: Journalism, Moving Into Automotive
17:09 Lessons from Newsrooms & What Changed His Career Path
20:58 Why Community and Peer Groups Matter for Shop Owners
22:15 Is Print Media Dead? Newspapers vs New Media
23:27 “Everyone’s Got a Podcast” – Modern Media Challenges
25:17 Media’s Role in Political Division & Clickbait
26:19 Absolutism and the Importance of Nuance in the Auto Industry
29:44 The Art of Interviewing: Insights for Great Journalism
33:25 Dealing With Agenda-Driven Coverage as a Business Owner
36:57 Is Print Here to Stay? Why High-End Magazines Matter
38:09 Navigating Hot Button Topics: Relational vs. Transactional Selling
41:32 How Auto Service Leader Handles Problematic Sources
42:32 Private Equity & Consolidation’s Impact on the Automotive Industry

Turnkey Marketing has made my life SOOO much simpler, AND they've helped keep the phone ringing. Do you need these two things too? Learn more HERE

Elite Worldwide coaching has changed the game for me and my shop. Need a boost? Use Elite like I do. HERE

AI for Shop Owners: Open the Hood of the Future is happening June 12-13 at Carfix in Raleigh, NC. Use AI to your advantage! Register HERE

In this episode, Mike Allen and Bryan Pollock talk with Mr. Subaru. Mr. Subaru talks through his experiences navigating drama in the automotive influencer space and addresses accusations of clickbait content. He shares some colorful stories from his time as a Snap-on dealer, including the challenges of repossessing toolboxes from delinquent customers. Finally, Mr. Subaru discusses his upcoming plans to build a new shop on his property and the future direction of his YouTube content.

Timestamps:
00:00 - Are you a Clickbait Creator? Mr. Subaru on Online Drama
00:19 - The Truth About Tool Content—Is It Clickbait?
01:08 - Rock Hill & South Carolina’s Automotive Scene
03:03 - Content Creator Drama & Automotive Industry Comparison
07:09 - Shop Builds: Mr. Subaru Gets Bank Approval for His New Shop
08:51 - How It All Started: Mr. Subaru’s First YouTube Videos
10:59 - The COVID Boost: Explosive Growth on YouTube
12:12 - Monetization Woes: TikTok, Facebook, & Instagram
13:33 - The Snap-On Dealer Experience—Sales, Credit, & Repos
17:15 - Wild Repo Stories: Guns, Knives, & Toolbox Sting Operations
21:30 - The Biggest Toolbox Sale Ever
26:03 - Market Insights: Charlotte Money, Shop Opportunities, & Area Growth
29:12 - Podcasting & Automotive Media Scene in Carolina
29:37 - Drama vs. Good for the Industry: Podcast Growth Strategies
33:08 - Rage-Bait vs. Thoughtful Content: Finding Balance
35:55 - Instant Opinions & The Problem with Social Media Hate
37:00 - Shop Anonymity & Weirdos—Dealing with the Downside of Fame
39:16 - Diagnosing for the Diagnostically Challenged: Mobile Work Stories
45:27 - B-Techs, A-Techs, and Weaponized Incompetence Rant
47:22 - Diagnostic Training on YouTube: Scanner Danner & Self-Learning
48:53 - What’s Next for Mr. Subaru? Shop Builds & New Content
51:19 - DIY vs. Shop Content: Who Does It Serve Best?
54:02 - Upcoming Events: Visions, Asta, Farm Show, and More
56:08 - Favorite Training Classes & Shop Stories
57:37 - Sumos, Hurricanes, and Confessions—Podcast Outtakes

Tekmetric opened my eyes to just how much a good SMS will do for a shop. Their software is top of the line, and with them, so is my shop. Try them for yourself HERE

Make your techs happier with Detect Auto. They'll stop getting "check noise" or "check vibration" from advisors with the customer concern tool. It will CHANGE YOUR LIFE. Book a demo HERE

AI for Shop Owners: Open the Hood of the Future is happening June 12-13 at Carfix in Raleigh, NC. Use AI to your advantage! Register HERE

In this episode, Mike Allen and Matt Lofton break down 2025's financial results from the shop, and talk about what went wrong and what went right. Matt encourages Mike to work towards pre-booking appointments to drive repeat business, and Mike states his goals for boosting net profit in 2026.

Timestamps:
00:00 Matt thinks Mike should only focus on the shop?
01:15 Confessions intro
03:02 Recapping the year: top-line numbers, gross profit, and performance metrics
05:07 Gross profit calculation, labor rates, and tech efficiency
09:35 Ad spend breakdown—what’s working, what’s wasted
11:15 Setting ambitious but achievable 2026 profit targets
13:43 Staffing, productivity by the billable hour, and role expectations
16:03 Navigating seasonal slowdowns and weather curveballs
21:21 Drilling into process—team consistency and customer experience
26:16 Tech inspections, quality DVIs, and closing rate improvements
33:04 The #1 process change to add 10% net profit
34:16 How (and WHY) to start pre-booking appointments for consistent car count
39:00 Pre-booking accountability & reminder hacks that actually work
41:51 Retention challenges with new customers & recapture campaign ideas
45:14 Why “state inspection only” tickets kill profitability
48:48 The key takeaways—retention, consistency, and focusing on fundamentals

Turnkey Marketing takes the stress of doing something I'm not good at off my plate. And gives it to someone who is. Click HERE for more.

Elite Worldwide has CHANGED my business and life through their one-on-one coaching. Use them like I do HERE

AI for Shop Owners: Open the Hood of the Future is happening June 12-13 at Carfix in Raleigh, NC. Use AI to your advantage! Register HERE

Jared Haleck is the new Chief Product Officer at Tekmetric, and today he talks with Mike about the rapid innovation happening in automotive shop management technology. Jared shares his perspective on how AI tools can streamline service advisor-customer interactions, making it easier to gather, document, and translate repair information for technicians. The conversation also explores the future potential of AI in automating repair estimates and improving digital vehicle inspections—emphasizing that the biggest barrier to integrating these tools is just shop owners’ creativity.

Timestamps:
00:00 – Will Tekmetric take over the world??
00:21 – Confessions of a Shop Owner Presented by Tekmetric
01:13 – Speed Vegas recap: Racing exotics, leaderboard drama, and surprises
05:15 – Jared Haleck’s background & first impressions of Tekmetric
08:43 – What does a Chief Product Officer actually do? (And, yes, nerds are involved)
10:39 – The AI revolution: Early adopters, ChatGPT, and what every shop should know
13:04 – Practical AI: Intake conversations, tech translation, and smarter service writing
16:25 – Summarization, speech-to-text, and eliminating “translation loss”
20:03 – Why voice (and phone) is key to the next auto shop breakthrough
25:33 – Wish list: AI-powered digital vehicle inspections & visual documentation
32:30 – Word choices, loss aversion, and writing the story customers need
34:44 – The real trick: Getting creative with AI prompts and trying new ideas
36:12 – Gemini, Claude, or GPT: Which AI platform works best?
39:54 – Where can shop owners get the most bang-for-their-buck with AI today?
41:25 – Fast hacks: Using iPhone Notes for instant transcriptions
42:29 – What’s next? The roadmap to automated estimate building
44:32 – Why Tekmetric is leading the innovation race (and how to join)

Tekmetric transformed my shop. Plain and simple. Want that for yours? Touch HERE

When I used the maintenance tool for the fist time with Detect Auto, my mind was blown. My advisors had the same reaction - and then SO MUCH MORE TIME. Learn more about Detect Auto and book a free demo now! 

AI for Shop Owners: Open the Hood of the Future is happening June 12-13 at Carfix in Raleigh, NC. Use AI to your advantage! Register HERE

Jimmy Purdy is the host of The Gearbox Podcast and owns Shift'n Gears Auto Repair in Paso Robles, California. Today, he and Mike Allen talk about how Jimmy nearly doubled his business in 2025 using the sometimes unpopular AutoShop Answers method. The conversation also covers the challenges of balancing profitability with company culture and how shop owners often struggle to find the one “silver bullet,” when success is really about picking up the right gold nuggets along the way.

Timestamps:
00:00 The golden rule: fully inform the customer before doing any repairs
01:08 Trade show tricks: why veteran vendors bring two pairs of shoes
02:08 Shoe disasters, hiking stories, and quick-thinking hacks
03:28 Shop growth: Doubling sales, why net profit isn’t the whole picture
04:41 Breaking revenue ceilings: Big changes and new sales processes
05:37 Shiny object syndrome and tracking the right KPIs
06:21 Learning to filter industry advice and run the shop your way
07:36 Sales process overhaul: From tech mindset to customer experience
08:53 What great client experience actually means—beyond the inspection
10:10 Shop coaching, sales training, and implementing what works for YOU
12:25 Adapting big shop advice for smaller or rural markets
13:55 Customizing processes, balancing growth and team happiness
15:11 Efficiency breakthroughs: Improving inspections and workflow
17:37 Overcoming DVI inconsistency and getting buy-in from your team
21:50 Estimating strategies: Why quoting everything isn’t always best
25:22 Lessons in sales: The “kitchen sink” rule and sales fatigue
29:13 Team training, scripting, and crushing phone intake times
34:43 Bringing team to trade shows for real buy-in (and to avoid “Black Monday”)
39:11 Evolving customer expectations and modernizing shop experiences
44:39 The myth of the universal “right way” to run a shop
51:06 Seven-day work weeks, shop culture, and the truth about tech retention
54:13 Letting your team find their own wins—even new gloves count
56:06 Shop life, family life, and defining your own success as an owner
57:17 Where to find more: Jimmy’s Gearbox podcast & how you can get involved

Turnkey Marketing has made my life SOOO much simpler, AND they've helped keep the phone ringing. Do you need these two things too? Learn more HERE

Elite Worldwide coaching has changed the game for me and my shop. Need a boost? Use Elite like I do. HERE

AI for Shop Owners: Open the Hood of the Future is happening June 12-13 at Carfix in Raleigh, NC. Use AI to your advantage! Register HERE

Rick White is the founder of 180Biz, and he hates people who do free diag. So.....this is awkward now...Today, Mike learns more about Rick and his coaching philosophies only then to stir the pot and bring up everything he opposes Rick on. What do you think? Is free diag a smart marketing move, or a decision only idiots make?

Timestamps:
00:00 – Welcome Rick White to the Show - Now Let's Fight!
06:10 – Why Men Struggle with Feelings (and How That Shapes Shop Leadership)
10:00 – Building a Coaching Empire: Rick White’s Approach to Scaling and Staying Grounded
17:45 – How to Interview a Coach (and Why Some Clients Get Fired)
24:12 – One Size Doesn’t Fit All: Franchise Model vs. Tailored Shop Coaching
29:40 – Private Equity in the Auto Industry: Boon or Bust?
35:18 – Passing the Shop to the Next Generation: Equity Equivalence & Creative Solutions
41:55 – “You Do You”: Why There Are Many Ways to Run a Successful Shop
45:03 – The Real Cost of Free Diag: Metrics, Marketing, and Moneyball Tactics
57:10 – Coaching Confessions: Ego, Impact, and the Danger of Explosive Growth
1:07:50 – Final Thoughts: What Matters Most for Shop Owners Right Now

Tekmetric opened my eyes to just how much a good SMS will do for a shop. Their software is top of the line, and with them, so is my shop. Try them for yourself HERE

Make your techs happier with Detect Auto. They'll stop getting "check noise" or "check vibration" from advisors with the customer concern tool. It will CHANGE YOUR LIFE. Book a demo HERE

AI for Shop Owners: Open the Hood of the Future is happening June 12-13 at Carfix in Raleigh, NC. Use AI to your advantage! Register HERE

In this episode, Mike Allen, Bryan Pollock, and Braxton Critcher look back on a year of "Confessions of a Shop Owner". They play back the top moments on the podcast in 2025, and each give their most embarrassing confession thus far. Oh, what a year it has been, and oh, what a year 2026 is setting up to be. Remember, this is the last episode that Mike is current ASTA President...this is about to get good...Finally. 

Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro: The Year of "Edit That Out" (But Did We?) 
01:12 – Amateur Podcast Setups & Tech Fails 
03:12 – 65+ Episodes Later: What Did We Even Do?! 
04:30 – Are We the Best Automotive Podcast in the Galaxy? 
05:10 – Going Viral: Social Media Buzz & Darren’s Big Weekend 
08:07 – Most Memorable Guest: Darren Barney Shares a Vulnerable Story 
12:16 – The "16-Foot Trailer" Incident with Zeb Beard  
17:00 – When Guest Rage Turns the Podcast Upside Down – David Roman Goes OFF! 
22:00 – Saturday Shop: Do Employees Actually Want to Work Weekends? 
24:36 – The Great Staffing Challenge & "Short Term Gain, Long Term Pain" 
27:47 – Our Most Embarrassing Tech Confessions & Social Media Mishaps 
32:43 – Confession Time: When Braxton Lost All the Podcast Files 
33:43 – Misspelling Sponsor Names… and the Tattoo Bet is On! 
35:01 – Who’s REALLY The Fastest Driver in the Crew? 
39:09 – The All-Time Most Embarrassing Shop Owner Confession
43:20 – The Viral Aftermath & Listener Group Chat Chaos
48:30 – Hospitality Suite Stories: Couch Shopping & More Debauchery
50:00 – The Greatest Hot Mic Moment That Will Never Air
52:37 – Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Confessions in 2026?
54:24 – Favorite Moments & Listener Shout-Outs
56:06 – Parting Thoughts & Why We Love This Podcast

Turnkey Marketing takes the stress of doing something I'm not good at off my plate. And gives it to someone who is. Click HERE for more.

Elite Worldwide has CHANGED my business and life through their one-on-one coaching. Use them like I do HERE

AI for Shop Owners: Open the Hood of the Future is happening June 12-13 at Carfix in Raleigh, NC. Use AI to your advantage! Register HERE

In this special Christmas Coaching Call, Mike Allen and Matt Lofton talk about goal setting for the New Year. They did into the details of how to properly project technician hour capacity and slow and busy seasons. They also discuss the importance of a strategic marketing budget, saying that marketing should generate opportunity—not just sales—and how matching tactics to team strengths is crucial for success.

Timestamps:
00:00 Farmer Analogy for Shop Owners: Understanding Harvest Seasons
00:20 Why Bad October & August Can Sink Your Year
01:00 Navigating Health Insurance Options for Your Team
03:05 Payroll Mistakes = Free Health Insurance?!
04:20 Christmas Episode Intro & Why Shop Goal Setting Matters
05:19 Goal Setting Philosophy: The “Elite Pro Service” Approach
06:53 Grounding Goals in Math, Not Hope
07:54 Calculating Real Shop Capacity with Tech Hours
09:01 Factoring Satellite Locations into Your Planning
10:02 Breaking Down Staff Roles & Realistic Productivity
13:01 Training & Growing Technician Skillsets
15:00 Risks & Rewards of Upskilling Your GS
18:24 Effective Labor Rate & Parts-to-Labor Ratio Explained
20:15 The Monthly Capacity Game & Avoiding Average Traps
26:36 Why August & October Are Your Make-or-Break Months
28:02 Adapting Your Monthly Goals to Holidays & Vacation
29:02 Getting Your Team Singing from the Same Goal Sheet
30:00 Coaching Your Team: The Basketball Analogy
32:09 Communicating Daily Goals for Technicians & Advisors
36:59 Tracking Approvals, Car Count, and Setting Realistic Targets
40:29 Translating Manager Math into Daily Team Wins
42:38 Setting Your Marketing Budget (3-5% or Up to 10%?)
44:08 Google Ads vs. Direct Mail: What Works for New Shops?
47:30 The Myth of Bad Customers—Fixing the Real Problems
54:21 Community Events, Brand Building, and Consistency
55:36 Wrapping Up: Getting Linked Up With Elite & Your Shop’s Growth
55:37 Christmas Family Fun Gone Wrong! Elf on the Shelf Stories

Tekmetric transformed my shop. Plain and simple. Want that for yours? Touch HERE

When I used the maintenance tool for the fist time with Detect Auto, my mind was blown. My advisors had the same reaction - and then SO MUCH MORE TIME. Learn more about Detect Auto and book a free demo now! 

AI for Shop Owners: Open the Hood of the Future is happening June 12-13 at Carfix in Raleigh, NC. Use AI to your advantage! Register HERE

Aniz Lavji owns a shop in Canada, and met Mike Allen at ASTA 2025. It was in Raleigh where Aniz thought his life was in danger because of Mike and his ESO Miata. They relive that story on today's episode. Turns out, Aniz might be turning into an ESO himself. The guys also talk tires, and why many shops miss opportunities by not doing tires right. 

Timestamps:
00:00 – Tire Hustles & Leveraging Trades: How Aniz Lavji turned tires into rare Lego sets
05:34 – Earning the "evil shop owner badge" – disposing tires, creative deals, and industry banter
07:16 – Embarrassing moments: Shop meetings gone awry and podcast stories spilled to the family
11:35 – Why tire storage is big business in Canada (and how Aniz Lavji manages hundreds of sets)
16:31 – Shop equipment talk: Hunter vs. Coats vs. Corgi, and keeping employees happy with cool machines
25:31 – Family business backstory: Dial Attire, Waterloo, and how Aniz Lavji gets mom & dad on vacation
31:09 – Big conferences, industry networking, and why ASTA Expo matters
41:12 – ADHD, podcast behind-the-scenes, and dealing with "wasted time"
53:03 – Used tires vs. new tires: How the tire business evolved
56:01 – Offshore tire brands, hilarious mascots, and challenges selling "Triangle" tires
1:02:38 – Why Teslas flood Aniz Lavji's shop — EV referrals, repairs, and donut diplomacy
1:07:15 – Saturday madness: Shop emergencies, wild tire stories, and customer demands
1:13:32 – Building relationships with vendors and parts suppliers
1:22:01 – Wrapping up with the worst American cars ever made and naming mishaps

Turnkey Marketing has made my life SOOO much simpler, AND they've helped keep the phone ringing. Do you need these two things too? Learn more HERE

Elite Worldwide coaching has changed the game for me and my shop. Need a boost? Use Elite like I do. HERE

AI for Shop Owners: Open the Hood of the Future is happening June 12-13 at Carfix in Raleigh, NC. Use AI to your advantage! Register HERE

Uwe Kleinschmidt is the Founder of AutoTech IQ, and today shares stories of growing up in East Germany. He also brings up how service advisors need to utilize AI to improve their technical expertise and lean into their people skills. He and Mike also talk about the importance of customer education, and Uwe explains how empowering customers with clear information leads to higher approval rates and better shop retention.

Timestamps:
00:00 Uwe Helped Bring Down the Berlin Wall? 

04:14 Mike Doesn't Listen to Podcasts Anymore

08:01 Reality Behind the Facade

11:55 Dual Citizenship Made Easier

16:35 "AI Dependency Dumbs Down Skills"

20:06 DVI's Potential in Customer Education

24:39 "Educating on Filter Cleanliness"

25:42 "Empowering Autonomous Decision-Making"

31:06 "Improved Workflow for Service Shop"

35:20 "We Are the Problem"

36:01 Building Trust with New Customers

42:01 Empowering Motorists Boosts Approvals

43:35 "Text-Only Customer Communication"

49:24 "Inspection Process Explanation"

Tekmetric opened my eyes to just how much a good SMS will do for a shop. Their software is top of the line, and with them, so is my shop. Try them for yourself HERE

Make your techs happier with Detect Auto. They'll stop getting "check noise" or "check vibration" from advisors with the customer concern tool. It will CHANGE YOUR LIFE. Book a demo HERE

AI for Shop Owners: Open the Hood of the Future is happening June 12-13 at Carfix in Raleigh, NC. Use AI to your advantage! Register HERE

In this episode, Mike learns that fish hung on a wall are just plastic. He, John Firm, Michael Guenther, and Jeff Compton also get into some ESO talk, free Diag, and if free oil changes are ruining this industry. They also share firsthand experiences managing small-town customer relationships, including the challenges of offering credit and dealing with overdue invoices.

Timestamps:
00:00 Mounted Fish Aren't Real??

09:51 Rising Star in Auto Industry

14:46 "Efficiency Concerns with Machine"

17:28 "Free Car Diagnostics Explained"

22:42 "The Cost of Your Dream Car"

28:44 "Oil Change Pricing Dilemma"

32:02 "Fish of a Thousand Casts"

42:31 "Local Store Credit System"

47:44 Customer Loss After Payment Struggle

50:06 "Bronx Tale $10 Lesson"

55:37 Fishing Etiquette at Docks

Turnkey Marketing takes the stress of doing something I'm not good at off my plate. And gives it to someone who is. Click HERE for more.

Elite Worldwide has CHANGED my business and life through their one-on-one coaching. Use them like I do HERE

AI for Shop Owners: Open the Hood of the Future is happening June 12-13 at Carfix in Raleigh, NC. Use AI to your advantage! Register HERE

In this episode, Mike Allen confesses to Matt Lofton that he thinks his customers aren't finding the value in using his repair shop. Matt says that value is defined by what customers are actually willing to pay for, reminding listeners that shop processes only matter if clients perceive them as worthwhile. They also talk about employee retention, noting how turnover can set a business back and why keeping the right team in place should be a top priority.

Timestamps:
00:00 Mike's Vegas Wardrobe Malfunction

10:36 "Retention and Sustained Growth Focus"

13:29 Client Service & Repair Strategy

19:19 Team Process and Standards Updates

23:07 "Pricing Concerns and Reputation"

33:35 Labor Rate Adjustment Explained

34:56 Employee Feedback Reflects Trust

43:39 Front Counter Compensation Debate

47:50 "Defining Value Beyond Features"

52:05 "Handling Customer Objections Effectively"

59:06 "Discussing Brake Replacement Concerns"

01:01:59 Pricing Strategy and Break-Even Analysis

Tekmetric transformed my shop. Plain and simple. Want that for yours? Touch HERE

When I used the maintenance tool for the fist time with Detect Auto, my mind was blown. My advisors had the same reaction - and then SO MUCH MORE TIME. Learn more about Detect Auto and book a free demo now! 

AI for Shop Owners: Open the Hood of the Future is happening June 12-13 at Carfix in Raleigh, NC. Use AI to your advantage! Register HERE

Chris Enright owns Enright Automotive in Alexandria, Ohio and has one of the biggest industry followings on social media. Jeff Compton from the Jaded Mechanic also sits in for Bryan Pollock. Today, they get into the importance of communication among techs, advisors, and owners to avoid costly mistakes and improve efficiency. Chris brings up how techs shouldn't have to pay for their own tools and gives advice on how to by affordable tools, especially for techs just starting out. 

Timestamps:
00:00 French Drivers vs Retired People from Florida

06:24 Navigating SEMA and AAPEX

15:33 "Industry Issues Stem from Communication"

19:41 "Know Your Rights as Technician"

24:43 "Tool Industry Perspectives Divide"

28:22 Technician-Owned Tools Debate

32:43 OEM Tools and Tool Truck

36:59 "First Encounter with Electric Tools"

46:29 Labor vs Parts in Modern Cars

51:10 "It's Not an Issue Until Issues"

55:08 Money Motivation vs Quality Talent

01:01:43 "Success by Getting Outself's Way"

01:04:36 "Challenges Keeping Up with Cars"

01:12:13 Brake Job: Rotors and Pads Together

01:14:59 "Defending Ethical Repair Practices"

Turnkey Marketing has made my life SOOO much simpler, AND they've helped keep the phone ringing. Do you need these two things too? Learn more HERE

Elite Worldwide coaching has changed the game for me and my shop. Need a boost? Use Elite like I do. HERE

AI for Shop Owners: Open the Hood of the Future is happening June 12-13 at Carfix in Raleigh, NC. Use AI to your advantage! Register HERE

Darrin Barney is the CEO of Elite Worldwide, Mike's Coaching Company of choice. Last time he was on, he cried. So, guess what he did this time? Yep. He cried. What brought on the tears was how proud he is when he sees one of his kids overcome adversity. Like when his daughter proved the doctors wrong when she was born. They also discuss the evolution of Elite’s coaching programs, highlighting the new 180 program designed to support shop owners at every stage.

Timestamps:
00:00 Darrin Barney is Back!

06:22 "Drive-Thru Wallet Struggle"

09:09 "Defining Childhood Moment"

10:39 "Million Dollar Baby Struggles"

13:45 Cultivating Grit in Privileged Kids

16:42 "Life Lessons From India"

21:24 "Weekend Rush and Crash Tale"

25:38 "Racing Isle of Man Before Death"

26:18 "Racing Memories and Reflections"

30:32 Business Development Training Programs

35:39 Racing Addiction Never Ends

39:02 From Employee to Business Owner

40:43 "Watching Results Through Reviews"

44:18 "Networking for Fresh Perspectives"

47:54 Evolution of Pro Service

50:11 Unexpected Opportunity: Tire Shop Dilemma

54:12 Elite's Impact on Legacy

Tekmetric opened my eyes to just how much a good SMS will do for a shop. Their software is top of the line, and with them, so is my shop. Try them for yourself HERE

Make your techs happier with Detect Auto. They'll stop getting "check noise" or "check vibration" from advisors with the customer concern tool. It will CHANGE YOUR LIFE. Book a demo HERE

AI for Shop Owners: Open the Hood of the Future is happening June 12-13 at Carfix in Raleigh, NC. Use AI to your advantage! Register HERE

Meet the future leadership of the Automotive Service and Tire Alliance: Mbie Dowd and Tonnika Haynes. Mbie tells the story of how she got to where she is today, and why she has a passion for selling tires. Tonnika talks about her recent struggle of to letting go of micromanagement in her shop, and boy oh boy, did Mike have a confession to share. Wow. Just wow.

Timestamps:
00:00 "Mike Has a Confessions"

05:48 "Life Driven by Cars"

06:47 "Journey Into Automotive Success"

10:27 Thoughtful Words, Powerful Impact

13:34 "Confessions of the Bougie Spouse"

17:57 "Trusting the Process"

20:55 "Tire Opportunities and Insights"

24:31 Collaborative Leadership in Tire Pros

27:07 "Setting Expectations Upfront"

33:07 "Running, Spiders, and Skinny Pants"

35:08 Sticky Trap Confession for Mike

39:49 "Battery Acid Mishap"

41:58 Locked Out and Climbing Gates

Turnkey Marketing takes the stress of doing something I'm not good at off my plate. And gives it to someone who is. Click HERE for more.

Elite Worldwide has CHANGED my business and life through their one-on-one coaching. Use them like I do HERE

AI for Shop Owners: Open the Hood of the Future is happening June 12-13 at Carfix in Raleigh, NC. Use AI to your advantage! Register HERE

Eric Merchant is the owner of Merchant Automotive in Leeland, Michigan. Eric, Mike, and Bryan today talk about racing things with wheels, how Eric got into shop ownership, and why training is important. The three also bring up how things often go sideways when shop owner get together. Like stuffing technicians into trunks...

Timestamps:
00:00 Recording at ASTA 2025

03:30 "Accidental Reel Overflow"

09:06 "Lucas Overfills RSVP List"

11:26 GM Diesel Pickup Specialists

13:11 "Pro Service: Tight-Knit Comfort"

19:07 "Struggles Exiting the Car"

20:40 "Burt Two-Speed Transmission Overview"

24:54 Driving vs. Running a Shop

27:29 "Fired: Exit from Dealerships"

30:28 "Lawnmower Racing Adrenaline Rush"

35:30 Midnight Tail Light Fix

37:26 Golf Cart Speed Challenges

41:38 "F350 King Ranch Giveaway Idea"

43:51 Diesel Training Lacks Specificity

48:08 "Encouraging Relevant Class Interaction"

Tekmetric transformed my shop. Plain and simple. Want that for yours? Touch HERE

When I used the maintenance tool for the fist time with Detect Auto, my mind was blown. My advisors had the same reaction - and then SO MUCH MORE TIME. Learn more about Detect Auto and book a free demo now! 

AI for Shop Owners: Open the Hood of the Future is happening June 12-13 at Carfix in Raleigh, NC. Use AI to your advantage! Register HERE

In this episode, Mike Allen and Matt Lofton evaluate property values and location choosing for automotive repair shops. Matt gives tips on assessing both leasing and purchasing options, saying it's important to look at environmental inspections to avoid costly site contamination issues. Together, Mike and Matt break down how to quickly run the numbers on a new shop – from demographic analysis and competitive research to calculating realistic revenue projections based on shop capacity.

Timestamps:
00:00 Choosing a Business Location is Crucial

05:27 Building Investment Due Diligence

07:56 Renovation Challenges and Parking Plans

12:48 Commercial Property Appraisal and Inspections

15:35 Soil Testing and Abatement Costs

18:59 "Essential Due Diligence for Buyers"

23:33 Creative Lease Negotiation Strategies

24:39 Lease Agreements with Conditional Terms

28:33 Impact of Gentrification on Leases

32:17 Landlord Intentions and Investment Strategy

35:36 Local Demographic Analysis Strategy

37:39 Assessing Location Viability

43:43 Competition and Location Assessment

45:49 Maximizing Building Productivity Feasibility

50:13 "Rent Budget and Growth Constraints"

52:33 Managing Building Costs and Overheads

Turnkey Marketing has made my life SOOO much simpler, AND they've helped keep the phone ringing. Do you need these two things too? Learn more HERE

Elite Worldwide coaching has changed the game for me and my shop. Need a boost? Use Elite like I do. HERE

AI for Shop Owners: Open the Hood of the Future is happening June 12-13 at Carfix in Raleigh, NC. Use AI to your advantage! Register HERE

In this episode, Mike Allen is joined by Josh Coomes and Josh Rainwater. New co-hosts of "The Morning Drive with Josh and Josh"? Hmmmm. Josh Rainwater shares the recent story of when Josh Coomes visited his shop and helped him identify and correct key operation and process issues. Josh Coomes emphasizes the importance of structured processes and having the financial stability to step away from your shop, all while the group reflects on the value of mentorship, coaching, and industry events like ASTA for growth and relationship-building.

Timestamps:
00:00 ASTA Expo 2025 Logistics and Staff Efficiency

05:02 Improving User Experience Suggestions

07:14 "Satire Becomes Reality"

10:59 Breaking Point Amid Work Pressure

15:21 "Building Structure for Business Freedom"

16:18 "Fired Technician for Integrity"

20:31 "ASTA Mastermind for Startup Shops"

23:38 Volunteer Mentorship with Accountability

27:42 Key Tagging Streamlines Operations

29:14 "Levels of Coaching Explained"

33:28 Gratitude for Trust and Support

36:43 Aligning Processes for Team Growth

40:00 "Streamline Systems to Retain Clients"

44:38 City Comparison by Car Dealerships

45:19 Improving Repair Sales Strategies

51:23 Training Gap and Emotional Strain

53:20 "Role-Playing with Chat GPT"

Tekmetric opened my eyes to just how much a good SMS will do for a shop. Their software is top of the line, and with them, so is my shop. Try them for yourself HERE

Make your techs happier with Detect Auto. They'll stop getting "check noise" or "check vibration" from advisors with the customer concern tool. It will CHANGE YOUR LIFE. Book a demo HERE

AI for Shop Owners: Open the Hood of the Future is happening June 12-13 at Carfix in Raleigh, NC. Use AI to your advantage! Register HERE

Today, we ask the hard questions. Is investing in ADAS equipment worth it in auto repair? And if you do, should't you charge more for it? Mike, Bryan, and Justin Allen and Jim Cokonis answer these questions while at the ASTA Expo. They also dig into the difficulties of properly training staff and building processes that ensure quality work—rather than just chasing numbers and cranking out volume.

Timestamps:
00:00 God Has FINALLY Allowed This Recording

03:44 "Podcast Heist Confession"

09:51 "Training vs. Pressure in Workplaces"

11:36 "Expertise Takes Time"

14:54 Road Forcing Tire Balance

17:41 "Rebooting Problem-Solving Processes"

23:33 ADAS Misuse and Optimization

25:39 Data Ignored, Decisions Misguided

28:22 ADAS Calibration Investment Challenges

33:28 GM Suspension Idler Arm Issues

34:15 Truck Steering Issue Escalation

Turnkey Marketing takes the stress of doing something I'm not good at off my plate. And gives it to someone who is. Click HERE for more.

Elite Worldwide has CHANGED my business and life through their one-on-one coaching. Use them like I do HERE

AI for Shop Owners: Open the Hood of the Future is happening June 12-13 at Carfix in Raleigh, NC. Use AI to your advantage! Register HERE

In this episode, Mike, Bryan and Bret Fadely get way off topic. But, that's normal around here! Bret opens up about the impact of staff turnover on his business and how attending this year's ASTA Expo helped rebuild trust and team morale. The guys also dive into the realities of shop ownership and customer service, including when to go above and beyond for clients—even if it means renting a work vehicle after multiple repair failures.

Timestamps:
00:00 "Who is Wearing the Better Jacket?"

04:30 "Claiming Credit, Dodging Blame"

09:19 "Reinvigorated by ASTA Event"

10:29 "Reflecting on Expo Attendance"

14:27 Transmission Failures and Delays

17:28 "Customer Satisfaction Over Costs"

21:01 Technician Mix-Up Over Transmission

26:15 "COVID Hospital Scare"

27:31 Bryan's Health Scare

31:42 "Super Saturday Training Event"

36:24 "Building Stronger Membership Together"

40:01 "Best Hurricane ASTA Moment"

42:04 "Bar Preparedness for Events"

46:25 "Charity Plans with SD Charities"

Tekmetric transformed my shop. Plain and simple. Want that for yours? Touch HERE

When I used the maintenance tool for the fist time with Detect Auto, my mind was blown. My advisors had the same reaction - and then SO MUCH MORE TIME. Learn more about Detect Auto and book a free demo now! 

AI for Shop Owners: Open the Hood of the Future is happening June 12-13 at Carfix in Raleigh, NC. Use AI to your advantage! Register HERE

Tommy Markham owns Markham's Automotive in Constableville, New York, and is a HUGE supporter of charging for diagnostic....this should be fun. Mike, Bryan and Mark talk about why you should charge for diagnostic and why you shouldn't. They also discuss the challenges and marketing benefits of investing in ADAS calibration equipment, even when the return on investment is hard to measure.

Timestamps:
00:00 What Will Mike Say/Do When He's Not President?

06:47 Diagnostic Charging Debate

08:01 Billing for Expertise Costs

13:26 "Job Value Reflects Readiness"

16:24 BMW Repairs and Water Damage

19:05 "Humble Confidence and Skill"

23:28 Exclusive ADAS Calibration Facility

24:32 ADAS Profit Challenges for Shops

28:02 "Public Education Challenges"

33:55 "Customized Signs for Visibility"

34:04 "Branded Car Complaint Story"

38:48 "Confidence and Abrasiveness"

42:28 "Career Dilemma and Choices"

46:17 Rental Car Damage Documentation

50:02 Mitsubishi MUT3 Critique

52:16 Mitsubishi's Missing Key Data

53:48 Mitsubishi Ownership Verification Issue

58:22 "Car Repairs and Priorities"

Turnkey Marketing has made my life SOOO much simpler, AND they've helped keep the phone ringing. Do you need these two things too? Learn more HERE

Elite Worldwide coaching has changed the game for me and my shop. Need a boost? Use Elite like I do. HERE

AI for Shop Owners: Open the Hood of the Future is happening June 12-13 at Carfix in Raleigh, NC. Use AI to your advantage! Register HERE

In this episode, Bryan and Mike are joined by Ashley Kaplan of Hub Shop Solutions. They start by talking about an odd tattoo she has on her arm and whether or not she would give away from Hub Shop for life if a customer got a Hub Shop tattoo. Mike points out how much Hub Shop has helped his shop shop save time by handling estimate writing and warranty calls. Time that service advisors can spend with customers to improve sales. Oh, and if given the opportunity, Bryan would SHUT DOWN Mitsubishi??

Timestamps:
00:00 Do you Prank Spam Callers?

10:08 Ashely Loves Sales

12:25 Focus on Bigger Priorities

16:08 Connecting Beyond Transactions

24:52 $43 O-Ring Dilemma

28:37 Efficient Cost-Effective Hiring Alternative

33:09 Efficient Diagnostic Documentation Advice

41:41 Timing Troubles and Steering Lock

47:02 Tracking Estimates and Performance Feedback

51:43 Experimenting for Success

54:34 Hub Shop: Growth-Focused Shop Solution

Tekmetric opened my eyes to just how much a good SMS will do for a shop. Their software is top of the line, and with them, so is my shop. Try them for yourself HERE

Make your techs happier with Detect Auto. They'll stop getting "check noise" or "check vibration" from advisors with the customer concern tool. It will CHANGE YOUR LIFE. Book a demo HERE

AI for Shop Owners: Open the Hood of the Future is happening June 12-13 at Carfix in Raleigh, NC. Use AI to your advantage! Register HERE

Lucas Underwood and Jeff Compton join Mike today to stir the pot, reflect on Jeff cheating in the sumo wrestling match at the ASTA Expo, and how it's okay for shop owners to run their shop differently. The conversation also covers the constant push/pull of personal fulfillment vs the desire to make money for shop owners, and that for this industry to change, it starts with owners investing in themselves and their people.

Timestamps:
00:00 ASTA Sumo Wrestling Bout Recap

08:59 Short-Sighted Industry Tactics are Harmful

14:06 Challenging Traditional Auto Industry Tactics

16:52 "Embracing Unreasonable Hospitality for Change"

26:39 Communication in Workplace Performance

28:49 "Understanding Industry Challenges and Growth"

36:35 Front-End Inefficiency Costs Profits

41:01 Realizing Leadership and Business Skills

46:50 Failed Shop Sales Insights

52:10 Rediscovering Purpose After Feeling Lost

57:41 "Bobby, Send Mike Home!"

Turnkey Marketing takes the stress of doing something I'm not good at off my plate. And gives it to someone who is. Click HERE for more.

Elite Worldwide has CHANGED my business and life through their one-on-one coaching. Use them like I do HERE

AI for Shop Owners: Open the Hood of the Future is happening June 12-13 at Carfix in Raleigh, NC. Use AI to your advantage! Register HERE

Sunil Patel is the Founder and CEO of Tekmetric. Today, he and Mike unveil Tekmetric's new set it and forget it marketing solution, that allows shop owners to effortlessly bring in new customers with just the flip of a switch. Sunil even brings up that they are ready to dip their toes into the AI space with call scoring. If Sunil and his team aren't busy enough, in 2026 they are hosting their own industry event "Tektonic". Hear he and Mike talk about that and more today!

Register for Tektonic HERE!

Timestamps:
00:00 Simplified Marketing for Repair Shops

03:44 "Tekmetric: Efficient and User-Friendly CRM"

09:27 FCC Tightens Rules on Mass Texting

13:03 VoIP Call Scoring Development

14:22 Excitement for Analytics-Driven Technology

18:07 Inclusive Industry Conference Initiative

21:37 AI-Enhanced Vehicle Repair Orders

25:28 Digital Shift in Vehicle Services

28:12 "Digital Auto Repair Authorization"

33:45 Test Drive Disaster: Car Engulfed

35:31 Sunil with a confession

Tekmetric transformed my shop. Plain and simple. Want that for yours? Touch HERE

When I used the maintenance tool for the fist time with Detect Auto, my mind was blown. My advisors had the same reaction - and then SO MUCH MORE TIME. Learn more about Detect Auto and book a free demo now! 

AI for Shop Owners: Open the Hood of the Future is happening June 12-13 at Carfix in Raleigh, NC. Use AI to your advantage! Register HERE

Mike Allen and Matt Lofton jump into coaching call number nine and talk mainly about how to increase sales at Mike's shop. Matt shares research from Brian Tracy, saying that service advisors MUST spend more time engaging with customers to boost closing rates. They also talk about the strategy of splitting repair estimates into more manageable repair plans and the value of setting customer expectations during intake.

Timestamps:
00:00 Increase Customer Interaction to Boost Sales

03:55 Finding Time to Exercise is HARD

09:50 August Repair Order Analysis

12:26 Sales Process Challenge or Estimation Issue?

17:24 Optimizing Sales and Inspection Strategy

19:17 Costly Repairs Lead to Car Disposal

22:17 Two-Stage Vehicle Repair Approval Process

26:55 "Impact of Tech Quote Changes"

28:31 Choosing Repair Strategies Effectively

33:06 Improving Preventative Maintenance Estimation

36:54 Importance of Effective Intake Process

40:33 Enhancing Customer Interaction Experience

42:35 Maximize Sales by Reducing Admin Tasks

45:22 Customer Engagement Improves Experiences

48:40 Addressing Customer Fear with Transparency

Turnkey Marketing has made my life SOOO much simpler, AND they've helped keep the phone ringing. Do you need these two things too? Learn more HERE

Elite Worldwide coaching has changed the game for me and my shop. Need a boost? Use Elite like I do. HERE

AI for Shop Owners: Open the Hood of the Future is happening June 12-13 at Carfix in Raleigh, NC. Use AI to your advantage! Register HERE

In this episode, Mike Allen is joined by Jessee Potter and Ryan Ragan to preview NEXT WEEK'S ASTA Expo. Ryan highlights the exciting new location and expanded logistics, making the event more accessible and enjoyable for all attendees. Jessee shares details about the social events, including a unique on-site pre-party with sumo matches and interactive games, as well as the return of Casino Night with a new money booth and great prizes.

Timestamps:
00:00 "Pre-Expo Stress and Travel"

04:22 Seamless Event Facility Upgrade

06:50 Event with Food, Games, and Drinks

13:12 Cigar Rolling Event Announcement

14:03 Innovative Event Feedback Approach

19:02 Comprehensive Auto Shop Training Event

21:29 Trade Show: Fun & Transformative Training

26:05 Expanded Trade Show Timing

28:27 Event Meet-and-Greet Vision

32:43 Show Planning: Big Picture to Details

Tekmetric opened my eyes to just how much a good SMS will do for a shop. Their software is top of the line, and with them, so is my shop. Try them for yourself HERE

Make your techs happier with Detect Auto. They'll stop getting "check noise" or "check vibration" from advisors with the customer concern tool. It will CHANGE YOUR LIFE. Book a demo HERE

AI for Shop Owners: Open the Hood of the Future is happening June 12-13 at Carfix in Raleigh, NC. Use AI to your advantage! Register HERE

Greg Buckley is the owner of Buckley's Auto Care in Wilmington, Delaware. Today, he tells Mike and Bryan about his latest venture - opening an online radio station for repair shops...AND...writing podcast theme music for Confessions of a Shop Owner?? Yep. This could get out of control quickly. 

00:00 Unique Hospitality Suite Design

07:04 Tire Question: 22 GMC Denali Sierra

13:33 Owner's Secret: "I Sell Used Tires"

18:38 Adapting Shows for Podcasts

21:58 "Greg Shows Off His Music Writing Skills

32:30 Vocal Processing in Live Music

37:19 "Reluctant Sumo Suit Challenge"

41:31 Panther Chase School Tradition

47:13 Doctor Approves Drinking Alcohol

53:08 Buick Misfire Issue

57:21 "Switching to OE Tooling"

Turnkey Marketing takes the stress of doing something I'm not good at off my plate. And gives it to someone who is. Click HERE for more.

Elite Worldwide has CHANGED my business and life through their one-on-one coaching. Use them like I do HERE

AI for Shop Owners: Open the Hood of the Future is happening June 12-13 at Carfix in Raleigh, NC. Use AI to your advantage! Register HERE

In this episode, Mike and Bryan are joined by John Firm of Firm Automotive in Fort Worth, Texas. John talks about how he focuses his shop around fleet work, saying fleet accounts provide a lot of stability. The guys also bring up the cons of being a "hero" shop, pointing out that knowing your niche and charging your value is a smarter business model. Also, just wait till you hear the latest shop confession story.

00:00 "The Hero Shop Trap"

08:23 "Questioning Job Performance Value"

15:50 Preventing Employee Disengagement

17:40 Fuel Strategy Documentary

23:20 Cowboy Style Origins

28:59 Journey to Amazon Fishing Expedition

34:27 Cultural Perspectives on Size

39:54 "Exotic Wildlife at Low Fence Ranch"

48:30 Confident in Technician's Expertise

53:23 Letting Go: Business Challenges

Tekmetric transformed my shop. Plain and simple. Want that for yours? Touch HERE

When I used the maintenance tool for the fist time with Detect Auto, my mind was blown. My advisors had the same reaction - and then SO MUCH MORE TIME. Learn more about Detect Auto and book a free demo now! 

AI for Shop Owners: Open the Hood of the Future is happening June 12-13 at Carfix in Raleigh, NC. Use AI to your advantage! Register HERE

In this episode, Mike Allen and Matt Lofton talk about an up-and-down summer at Mike's small shop. Matt brings up the importance of setting clear goals and trigger points for accountability within the management team, and how Mike needs to act quickly on underperformance. Mike talks through recent staffing challenges, hiring decisions, and fine-tuning systems for both the front and back of house.

00:00 Striving for Consistent Excellence

05:24 Improving Customer Agreement Strategies

09:47 Performance Assessment and Action Plan

13:35 Performance Audit and Response Strategy

14:53 "Quick Solutions for Team Efficiency"

18:26 Rapid Impact on Underperformance

23:34 "Goal Setting for Revenue Efficiency"

25:53 "Optimizing Employee Impact on Revenue"

28:08 Optimal Employee Productivity Range

32:03 Service Revenue and Support Staff

36:52 Evaluate Sales Momentum

39:57 Optimizing Pre-Booking Appointments Strategy

42:52 "Easter Giveaways and Money Strategy"

45:29 Predicting Sales Opportunities

48:51 Sumo Suit Fun and Tips

Turnkey Marketing has made my life SOOO much simpler, AND they've helped keep the phone ringing. Do you need these two things too? Learn more HERE

Elite Worldwide coaching has changed the game for me and my shop. Need a boost? Use Elite like I do. HERE

AI for Shop Owners: Open the Hood of the Future is happening June 12-13 at Carfix in Raleigh, NC. Use AI to your advantage! Register HERE

In this episode, Mike and Bryan are joined by Erich Schmidt of Schmidt Auto Care. Erich talks about the time he nearly fell victim to an elaborate online truck sales scam and details the red flags that helped him catch it just in time. The guys also talk about their shared obsession with motorcycles, and Erich describes his diverse collection and the role riding plays in his life. Erich also talks about how his recent professional growth and industry networking have contributed to his business’s record success.

00:00 Meet Erich - He Likes Bikes

05:01 Motorcycle Collection Overview

07:10 Off-Road and Supermoto Passion

11:37 "Sunday Rides on Kentucky Roads"

14:39 Motorcycle Journey: New Orleans to Jacksonville

18:21 Efficient Workshop Equipment Organization

20:12 Technician Burnout and Tesla Hiring

26:14 Facebook Marketplace Truck Search

28:40 "Reluctant Road Trip Avoided"

31:59 Dealership Doubts and Financial Precautions

35:37 "Deciding Against Potential Scam"

38:08 Photo Theft at Florida Dealership

41:31 Mystery of Tipton Motorsports Location

45:52 Hiring Boosts Efficiency and Revenue

48:33 "Learning from Friends' Insights"

52:01 Passion for Automotive Industry Growth

54:16 Reflecting on Missed Business Opportunities

Tekmetric opened my eyes to just how much a good SMS will do for a shop. Their software is top of the line, and with them, so is my shop. Try them for yourself HERE

Make your techs happier with Detect Auto. They'll stop getting "check noise" or "check vibration" from advisors with the customer concern tool. It will CHANGE YOUR LIFE. Book a demo HERE

AI for Shop Owners: Open the Hood of the Future is happening June 12-13 at Carfix in Raleigh, NC. Use AI to your advantage! Register HERE

Nathan Ward and James Hornak recently opened Inconceivable Automotive in Raleigh, NC. Today, they tell the CRAZY story of how they became friends, fell into business ownership (starting by stealing a van off a man with Alzheimer's), and listen to advice from Mike. They all discuss openly the lessons they’ve already learned, such as the importance of clear communication, networking with other shop owners, and maintaining well-organized business processes from the outset. 

00:00 "Morning Bloody Mary Bar"

03:48 Injury Recovery Leads to Adventure

07:12 General Repair: Passion Meets Profit

12:29 Balancing Workload and Priorities

13:49 Repo Equipment Bargain Success

18:10 Subcontracting Head Gasket Repair

22:28 Stick to Normal Procedures

24:21 "Building Connections with Elite Coaching"

26:55 Sumo Wrestling Match at ASTA

30:30 Business Partnership and Profit Sharing

35:20 "Starting a Small Business Guide"

36:59 Prioritizing Business over Income

40:00 "Convenient Truck Service Location"

44:43 Proactive Learner Praised

47:15 "Toys Indicate Business Struggles"

50:07 Electrical Misunderstanding Magic

53:59 "Shop Owner Confessions"

Tekmetric transformed my shop. Plain and simple. Want that for yours? Touch HERE

When I used the maintenance tool for the fist time with Detect Auto, my mind was blown. My advisors had the same reaction - and then SO MUCH MORE TIME. Learn more about Detect Auto and book a free demo now! 

AI for Shop Owners: Open the Hood of the Future is happening June 12-13 at Carfix in Raleigh, NC. Use AI to your advantage! Register HERE

In this episode, Bryan and Mike are joined by Kirby Sawyer, owner of Super Rupair in Boulder, Colorado, a shop specializing exclusively in Subaru repair. Kirby shares the story of building a thriving, high-volume specialty shop, including his unique journey from employee to future owner. Of course, they get into charging for diag and why training is critical. 

00:00 "Meet Kirby Sawyer"

03:34 "Mobile Diagnostics and Accountability"

06:55 "Nissan's Legal Name Battle"

11:40 Obsolete Subaru Glass Stockpile

14:48 Economical but Prone to Corrosion

16:27 Bar Trick with Number Cards

19:47 Endless Subaru Cycle

24:27 "Awkward Car Exchange Moment"

28:58 Battery Tester Insights

32:34 Turnover and Pay Plan Success

33:23 Techs Improve Efficiency Rapidly

37:38 Offer to Buy High-Mileage Accord

39:43 Car Sales and Friend Recommendations

44:44 Expo Hospitality Suite Sponsored

48:47 "Refusal and Recommendation Story"

51:18 "Shop Dog Comfort Gone Awry"

54:16 "Farmer's Essential Values Test"

Turnkey Marketing takes the stress of doing something I'm not good at off my plate. And gives it to someone who is. Click HERE for more.

Elite Worldwide has CHANGED my business and life through their one-on-one coaching. Use them like I do HERE

AI for Shop Owners: Open the Hood of the Future is happening June 12-13 at Carfix in Raleigh, NC. Use AI to your advantage! Register HERE

Today, Mike and Matt switch things up and talk about Elite's new coaching program. Matt covers the five keys for shop success, including financial literacy, maximizing car opportunities, streamlined customer experience, retention strategies, and effective leadership and employee management. 

00:00 Elite's New Program

06:05 Networking Insights for Business Growth

07:16 Streamlining Business Success Program

10:52 Profit-Driven Automotive Management Strategy

14:12 "Door Rate vs. Effective Labor Rate"

19:17 "Maximizing Automotive Repair Revenue"

21:27 Streamlining Automotive Service Processes

26:22 Customer Retention Strategies

30:02 Streamlined Recruitment and Quick Offers

32:06 Effective Employee Management Strategies

38:18 Improving Business by Slowing Down

41:58 Balancing Urgency and Business Foundations

43:50 Affordable Shop Management Pricing

46:38 Staffing and Performance Challenges

Tekmetric opened my eyes to just how much a good SMS will do for a shop. Their software is top of the line, and with them, so is my shop. Try them for yourself HERE

Make your techs happier with Detect Auto. They'll stop getting "check noise" or "check vibration" from advisors with the customer concern tool. It will CHANGE YOUR LIFE. Book a demo HERE

AI for Shop Owners: Open the Hood of the Future is happening June 12-13 at Carfix in Raleigh, NC. Use AI to your advantage! Register HERE

Jack Shields is the owner of Jack's Auto and Tire in Chrystal Lake, Illinois. Today, he joins Bryan and Mike to reignite the conversation about free diag, pricing, and the ups and downs of shop ownership. Jack started in the industry working in his father's shop and now runs a brake-focused shop, and stresses being transparent and building trust with customers. 

00:00 "Embracing My Way in Auto Sales"

06:06 Struggling to Delegate Business Tasks

15:03 Strategic Giveaway Advice for Shops

19:51 Improving Mechanic Training Quality

22:26 Specialty Shops' Worth Defended

27:37 Contemplating Business Expansion Decisions

34:34 Cost Breakdown for Labor and Parts

41:34 Car Repair Assistance Overview

48:38 Corporate Takeover of Local Shops

49:47 Retiring Shop Owners Face Transitions

58:34 Mug Club Proposal for Revenue

01:00:15 Exclusive Specialty Auto Shops

01:08:32 "Friday Night Automotive Hangout"

Turnkey Marketing has made my life SOOO much simpler, AND they've helped keep the phone ringing. Do you need these two things too? Learn more HERE

Elite Worldwide coaching has changed the game for me and my shop. Need a boost? Use Elite like I do. HERE

AI for Shop Owners: Open the Hood of the Future is happening June 12-13 at Carfix in Raleigh, NC. Use AI to your advantage! Register HERE

In this episode, Mike and Bryan are joined by Brandon Dills of Jarhead Diagnostics. They also talk shop ownership challenges when Brandon explains why he closed his shop previously and what inspired him to reopen with a more balanced, focused approach. They also get into the world of manufacturing custom diagnostic tools, discussing how Brandon manages production, responds to one-off customer requests, and the benefits (and headaches) of scaling up using 3D printers.

00:00 Is Bryan a Traitor for Supporting the Changing the Industry Podcast?

10:20 Business Animosity and Expo Popularity

14:19 Product Feasibility Challenges

19:37 Rare Vintage Tools Market Insight

24:13 Fireworks, Boating, Chaos

28:32 Rushed Mistakes with Boat Trailers

33:21 Different Paths to Business Success

40:28 Limited Auto Repair Options

48:20 "Redneck Workout: Tree Lifting"

54:27 Tekmetric New CRM

57:47 Real-Time AI Call Monitoring

00:00 "No Charge Diagnostics Debate"

04:33 Pricing Double Standard in Auto Repair

07:24 Free Diag vs. Paid Service

13:06 Adapting to Market Needs

15:48 "Embracing Different Approaches"

17:05 Daily Automotive Diagnostics Insights

20:19 "Key to Success: Service Strategy"

Tekmetric transformed my shop. Plain and simple. Want that for yours? Touch HERE

When I used the maintenance tool for the fist time with Detect Auto, my mind was blown. My advisors had the same reaction - and then SO MUCH MORE TIME. Learn more about Detect Auto and book a free demo now! 

AI for Shop Owners: Open the Hood of the Future is happening June 12-13 at Carfix in Raleigh, NC. Use AI to your advantage! Register HERE

Jon Cabak and Josh Oberlander founded the auto repair AI-driven tech company Detect Auto. Today, they talk with Mike about how in the world all this got started and share stories of what they've learned along the way. Even some things they've seen in shops around the country that SHOCKED them. Oh, and there could be a sponsor event happening at ASTA now? Stay tuned for more.

00:00 "Breaking into Automotive Sales"

06:05 Fans Are Nice in Repair Shops

07:19 Automotive Shop Process Automation

12:11 AI-Powered Customer Query Tool

13:33 Streamlined Diagnostic Questionnaires for Technicians

18:18 New Tool Enhances DVI Reports

23:07 Overwhelmed and Exhausted from Events

24:38 "Time to Host Our Events"

29:25 Failed Camera System Project

33:03 "Improving Shop Communication Methods"

Turnkey Marketing takes the stress of doing something I'm not good at off my plate. And gives it to someone who is. Click HERE for more.

Elite Worldwide has CHANGED my business and life through their one-on-one coaching. Use them like I do HERE

AI for Shop Owners: Open the Hood of the Future is happening June 12-13 at Carfix in Raleigh, NC. Use AI to your advantage! Register HERE

In this episode, Bryan and Mike are joined by Josh Parnell of Limitless Leadership. Josh says that poor communication in the repair shop takes about 18% of a shop's income annually. So, how do you stop this from happening? Josh says one-on-one meetings with staff are effective, along with simply being intentional with each member of the staff.

Check out Josh's podcast Limitless Leadership HERE

00:00 Spelling Is Difficult for Some People (Braxton)

03:25 Four-Day Work Week Benefits

06:58 Shift Schedule: 4 Weeks On, 1 Off

12:50 From Corporate to Faith-Driven Entrepreneur

13:37 Grateful for Industry Collaboration

18:20 "2025 Business Communication Report"

21:32 "Shifting Focus from Negatives"

25:39 Streamlined Estimating Process

29:38 "Value of Technicians' One-on-Ones"

34:05 Managing Team Communication

37:53 Coaching Process Overview

39:28 "Limitless Leadership Blueprint Launch"

45:19 Hiring Decision for Business Growth

48:36 Vision for Limitless Leadership Hub

50:11 Cooperative Facade, Fierce Competition

53:41 "People-First Engagement Boosts Performance"

Learn more about how our sponsors can help you run your shop this summer! 

Tekmetric 

Turnkey Marketing

Detect Auto

00:00 From Technician to Shop Owner for Bill

05:18 Meeting Big Daddy Todd Hayes

06:43 Choosing Quality over Quantity

10:00 Defining Success with Hayes

13:30 "Maximize Your True Potential"

17:53 "Second Bite: Bigger Equity Return"

22:26 "Failed Business Dreams"

23:25 "No Question Off Limits"

This show would not be possible without the support of our amazing sponsors. If you enjoy the show, consider supporting them and let them know you heard about them on Confessions of a Shop Owner! Touch the sponsor's name below for more.

Tekmetric 

Turnkey Marketing

Elite Worldwide

Timestamps

00:00 Who Has The Best Podcast Logo?

05:36 "Streamline Shop Management with Tekmetric"

11:26 Olympic Athletes' Ozempic Struggle

17:11 Unexpected Mid-Flight Illness

29:40 David's Weight Journey

35:07 "Faulty Fuel Pump Repair Fiasco"

42:30 Separate Billing for Brandon's Expertise

48:11 "Diagnostic Strategies and Methods"

53:54 Rethinking Management Roles

58:05 Women's Bathroom Mess Challenges

01:00:09 Bathroom Door Mishap Explained

01:07:38 Event Space and Scheduling Challenges

01:12:11 Collision Industry Insights & Challenges

01:17:43 Struggle with Letting Go

WE LOVE OUR SPONSORS! We wouldn't tell you about them if we didn't believe they could help you at your shop! For more about each sponsor, touch their name below. 

Tekmetric

Turnkey Marketing

Elite Worldwide

Timestamps:
00:00 Dan's Shop and an Update

13:42 Lack of Communication Criticized

18:04 Aftermarket Shop Offers Better Opportunities

26:33 Ted's Blunt Conversation on Expectations

28:31 Health Insurance Search for Team

37:28 Conflict of Interest Avoided

43:02 "Unwarranted Expense: $6,000 Bottle"

49:26 Helping Cousin's Demo Class Thursday

55:06 Mentorship Transforms New Shop Owners

58:21 Prioritizing Family Over Work

Support the show by supporting our awesome sponsors! 

Touch HERE and start using the best Shop Management Software there is. Tekmetric.

For help with your shop's marketing, use who I do - Turnkey Marketing. Touch HERE

Find the stuff you're missing at your shop with Detect Auto - click HERE

00:00 Funny Social Media to Watch

08:50 Overworked and Overcommitted

10:49 "Becoming a Shop Owner" Workshop

13:44 Sales Tactics and Decision Dynamics

19:46 "Unlock Hidden Auto Shop Revenue"

20:50 "Napa Encounter: Charismatic Persuasion"

26:19 "Cultural Fit Over Potential"

27:27 Balancing Tech Skills and Estimation

30:45 Insurance Influence on Repair Shops

35:56 Sibling Roughhousing Consequences

37:15 "Challenging Training for Real Skills"

43:21 EV Safety Certification with Avtech

43:58 Certification Test Opportunity Details

49:11 High-End Carlisle Equipment Discounts

51:05 Busy but Available for Fun

55:57 "Brian's Foot Finder Request"

Marketing is...let's say...not my strong suit. Good thing there's Turnkey Marketing! Let Carrie-Lynn and her team help you with something that's not your strong suit either HERE

Elite Worldwide is making my shop WORLDS better! I'm so pleased with the results so far. One-on-one coaching is keeping me accountable and it can with you too. Learn more HERE

In this episode, we talk with Neal Maier. Neal is someone who Mike has juuuust a little history with. Good history that is. Hopefully Neal feels the same! Neil and Mike take a trip down memory lane today and talk about their journeys through this industry. Oh and Bryan gets heated over O2 censors....again....

00:00 Mike has a confession

05:01 Tires Sustain Profitability

06:44 "Urgent Repairs Needed: Shaved Ball Joints"

10:59 "Costly Lessons Learned"

15:51 Evolving Marketing for Customer Journey

18:40 "Re-engaging Lost Customers Strategies"

21:01 Focus on Cost-Free Business Gains

25:08 "Pre-Qualified Offers Boost Return Visits"

27:21 Dispatcher's Stress Over Schedule Changes

32:49 Daily Car Processing Plan

36:00 Shop Confession: Off the Rails

40:22 "Laughing at Desperate Decisions"

41:41 Embracing Imperfection in Challenges

47:10 Event Planning and Expo Preparations

49:26 EV Safety Certification & Exam Proctors

53:50 Forklift Side Shift Adjustment

Tekmetric 

Turnkey Marketing

Detect Auto

Today, it's coaching call number 5. This one is a bit different than the previous four, though. Why? I actually did my job! The strategy Matt and I have been working on is working well for my small shop, but it's not time to stop and celebrate. There is more work to be done. These conversations are a glimpse into what Elite Worldwide does for shops everywhere. Do you have them helping you? 

00:00 Matt is bouche

08:19 Efficient Vehicle Maintenance Integration

11:10 Boosting Adoption of BG Services and Tires

19:19 "Managing Warranty Comebacks Efficiently"

25:52 Warranty Impacts on Free Labor

30:38 "Technician Pay Structure Adjustments"

33:58 Complex Repairs Undervalued in Labor Guides

43:23 Inexpensive Repair Causes Engine Failure

44:01 Ethical Sales and Repair Decisions

51:11 Customer Engagement & Service Strategy

58:04 Efficient Scheduling Boosts Car Count

01:00:50 Optimizing Consistent Car Count

01:25 – Charlie’s Early Years: From Greece to Boston at 17
03:20 – The First Jobs: Gas Stations, Chasing Work, and Learning English
05:43 – Launching Pleasant Car Care: Starting with Almost Nothing
08:11 – Naming the Shop & Choosing a New Standard for the Industry
11:11 – How Coaching Helped Charlie Think Bigger
12:15 – Meeting Todd & Bill: The Crucial Lessons of Early Coaching
13:31 – “Customer Pays for Everything” – A Lesson That Changed It All
15:09 – Moving from Technician to True Business Owner
17:23 – Why Most Shop Owners Think Too Small
19:24 – The Trap of Doing Owner Work Instead of CEO Work
21:04 – Why Your Time as an Owner Is Your Most Valuable Asset
23:14 – How One Decision Could Make Your Shop $6 Million More
24:07 – Four-Day Work Weeks, Six-Day Service: Staffing & Customer Service Debate
25:52 – Letting Your Staff Choose: Four, Five, or Six Days?
26:25 – The Challenge & Opportunity of Sunday Operations
27:17 – Saturdays, Sundays, and Putting Customer Convenience First
28:22 – Why Small Shops Can Be Super Profitable
29:36 – The Power of Efficiency in Small Shops
30:13 – Outro & Final Thoughts from Charlie and Mike

Turnkey Marketing has helped my shop's marketing in ways I could have never on my own. They can do the same for here. Try them out HERE

Elite Worldwide keeps me accountable and takes a look at how I run my buisness from an unbiased perspective. It's greatly helped my shop! Learn more about how they can help you too HERE

Sunil Patel is the Founder and CEO of the best Shop Management Software in the industry - Tekmetric. PJ Leslie is a Miata lover like me and the Head of Business Development at Tekmetric. Today, Sunil tells me about the time when he owned a shop and an employee wrecked a customer's car. What happened next was CRAZY! 

00:00 Don't Hate on Miata Lovers

08:57 Building Tekmetric: From Challenges to Creation

10:56 Industry Transformation and Shifting Demographics

14:55 "Tekmetric Dominates Aftermarket Software"

16:14 Strategic AI Integration Approach

20:23 Enhancing Service with Detect Auto

23:31 "Botched Car Lift Incident"

26:10 Minor Damage, Customer Informed

31:07 Transitioning from Trainual to Way We Do

33:53 Streamlined Automotive Business Integration

38:57 Empowering Leadership Approach

40:28 "Smart Jobs Integration Needed"

45:00 "Why-Based Training Benefits"

47:35 Incremental Improvements Drive Success

Tekmetric

Turnkey Marketing 

Detect Auto

Today, Mike Allen and Bryan Pollock are joined by Brian Stolpa, owner of Brian’s Motor Works Euro shop. They talk challenges of hiring—especially the decision between training an apprentice versus bringing in an experienced tech—and the realities of scaling a shop in today’s market. And yes, things get heated at the end when Mike brings up flat rate vs salary. Who's right? We may never know. But Bryan thinks Mike is wrong. We'll leave it there.

00:00 How Often Do You Buy Socks?

08:32 Hiring Strategies for Small Businesses

15:51 From NASCAR Aspirations to Mechanic

19:18 "Training Challenges in Skilled Labor"

24:42 "Finding the Right Team Fit"

27:58 Kids Dream of YouTube Fame

36:38 "Leasing vs. Owning Cars"

41:32 "Successful Implementation at Raleigh Shops"

43:34 Effective Communication with Customers

50:18 Flat Rate vs. Salary Risks

56:54 Unpaid Work Dilemmas

01:02:32 Post-COVID Job Shift Dynamics

Learn more about how Tekmetric can change your shop HERE

Touch HERE to see what Turnkey Marketing can do for you and your shop

Want shop coaching like this from Elite Worldwide? Reach out to learn more HERE

00:00 Self-Reflection and Accountability

05:10 Streamlining Shop Management with Tekmetric

08:59 Streamlined Estimate Notification Service

10:11 Boosting Tire Sales Strategy

14:21 Manual Process Checklists внедрение

18:11 Professionalizing Customer Experience

22:00 Improving Listening in Relationships

23:12 "Balancing Work and Family"

28:54 Tekmetric Sales Tracking Insight

32:03 Understanding Sales Cycle Timing

36:01 Increasing Sales Through Advisor Practice

38:28 Efficient Client Follow-Up Strategy

42:58 "Enhancing Phone Skills for Sales"

44:28 "Never Write NVH Without Test Drive"

47:44 Revenue Goals and Projections

53:00 Understanding Business Break-Even Points

55:19 "Broadening Perspectives at Events"

57:41 "Reconsidering My Words"

Learn more about Autoshop Answers HERE

Today, Mike and Todd Westerlund talk about setbacks, success, and Todd makes a pretty crazy Confession.  Todd also talks about what it takes to find real success in business, and that it comes down to dedication and drive.

00:00 Mindset's Role in Business Success

05:08 "Pursue Passion, Seek Mentorship"

07:05 Reevaluating Sales Techniques

10:23 Tech Job Breakthrough in San Francisco

15:53 "Embrace Self-Reinvention"

18:16 "Trust Radar: Todd's Intuition"

22:55 "Relentless Reminder of Aging"

23:39 "Relentless Reminder Tattoo"

29:29 Hospital Benefits Arrangement

33:09 Perception of Success and Self-Reflection

34:43 "Maximize Efficiency, Not Hours"

Turnkey Marketing is making my life easier and my business better. Good thing they don't just help me. See for yourself how the can do the same at your shop HERE

Detect Auto helps you catch the stuff you miss at the shop. If you don't think you're missing stuff, check again. It shocked me to know how much money I was missing when I got Detect Auto - find out for yourself today HERE

Ed Trevino owns Kanuga Tire & Auto in Hendersonville, NC. Ever since opening his shop, stuff seems to keep going wrong. From COVID-19, Hurricane Helene, and WNC wildfires, he's pushed through it all. So what would he do differently if he could do it over? Ed's response might surprise you. 

00:00 Too much alcohol?

05:31 "Tekmetric: Quick Learning, Strong Growth"

12:10 Shoe Allotment Deduction Contemplation

16:52 Pandemic-Era Valet Hysteria

26:29 Seeking Advice: Joining a Mastermind

28:24 Subconscious Self-Worth Limitations

36:34 "Quality Services vs. Low Rates"

39:12 Shop Errors and Repair Costs

43:24 Navigating Storm Aftermath Challenges

51:57 Agent's Reluctance to Visit Clients

58:23 Rarely Carry Cash

01:00:16 "Tree Damage Unbothered"

Turnkey Marketing may not be what Josh needs for his shop right now, but if you've got room to grow, believe me when I tell you, Turnkey Marketing will help you fill that room. See more HERE

I talk about Elite Worldwide on these podcasts so much for a reason. Because when something works really well for you, you want to tell others about it. So here we are. Me telling you about Elite again. Because it's worth it, and I KNOW their one-on-one coaching will help your shop. Learn more HERE

In this episode, Bryan and I are joined by Josh Rainwater, a shop owner from Louisville, Kentucky. He, like many of us, has spent the night at his shop a time or two. We've all been there at some point. Today, Josh confesses that he realizes something needs to change because that is not healthy for him, his family, or his business to require that much of him. What did we tell him? Find out today. 

00:00 Leadership Coaching at NASCAR Technical Institute

03:47 Pandemic Job Loss to Uber

07:45 Booming Business Opportunities

11:37 HVAC Replacement: Charm and Decisions

14:29 "Hotel Lobby Recording Session"

17:06 Feet Pic Earnings Proposal

19:38 Elite Worldwide Custom Coaching

24:19 AI-Driven Appointment Bookings

26:26 Small vs. Large Shop Challenges

31:26 "QC Documentation Issue"

33:23 Handling Tricky Situations Efficiently

37:21 "Discount Demand After Order Error"

40:21 Unsustainable Work Habits

41:50 Balancing Commitments and Workload

46:41 Optimizing Labor and Parts Margins

50:44 "Planning to Hire Soon"

Turnkey Marketing does what I'm not good at...Marketing. Even if you know marketing, let Turnkey do it for you, freeing you up to run your business. Visit them HERE

Detect Auto uses AI the RIGHT way. Use them and you won't have to worry of how to use AI anymore. Learn more HERE

Darrin Barney is the President and CEO of Elite Worldwide, the coaching company I use. And after this conversation, it further confirmed why I love using them. He made me think in ways I haven't in years. I even teared up a few times in this conversation. Darrin gets it. I learned something from this conversation. You will too. 

00:00 Bragging Rights in Tough Times

03:22 "Effective Marketing Solutions for Growth"

07:14 Balancing Gym and Bar Life

12:07 "Elite Coaching Experience Overview"

13:33 Partial Achievement, Constructive Feedback

19:07 "Finding Inspiration from Bob"

22:09 Optimizing Technician Efficiency

24:43 "Enduring Automotive Friendships"

26:28 Automotive Growth and Coaching

29:58 Helping People: The Ultimate Goal

34:10 Child's Emotional Upset Explained

35:58 Balancing Passions and Family Time

39:39 Be More Human

45:50 Prank: Brake Cleaner Swap

47:41 "Toastmasters: Overcoming Shyness Through Speech"

52:18 Jimmy Page's Zeppelin Legacy Journals

Tekmetric is awesome. It's made my shop awesome. I could leave it there, but because it's changed my shops future, I want the same for you. Can you make your shop more awesomer than mine? Start HERE

Did you see the videos from my conversation with Carrie-Lynn with Turnkey Marketing? She said some spicy things about marketing and how many shop owners SUCK at marketing. But, she was spot on. Man, she helps my shop online. She can and will for you too. Learn more HERE

Taylor Wilson is the President of Velocity Auto Care and today he and Mike talk about how having kids changes how you run your business. If done right, for the better. Also, how has he learned to manage his shop from afar? Learn today.

00:00 "Decline in Car Count Observed"

04:31 "Just Say Yes" Critique

08:38 Morning Training for Exceptional Service

10:18 Missed Events Due to Hunting

15:19 Overcoming Focus Challenges

17:28 Complacency Led to Business Decline

22:38 "Photo Requirements Challenge Workflow"

26:08 Technicians Willing to Work Saturdays

27:23 Car Service Convenience Challenges

31:24 Adapting to Change and Accessibility

34:20 Open-Minded Business Approach

I love launching helpful new technology at my shop! Especially when it makes my shop more efficient. That’s what Detect Auto has done for me. Want to learn how? Click HERE

Carrie-Lynn tells the story today of how and why she started working with repair shops. Because she believes in the industry! Let her help you make your marketing about the customer and not your ego today. Learn how HERE

Today, Mike Allen sits down with guests Carrie-Lynn Rodenberg from Turnkey Marketing and Tyler Ellinson, a multi-store operator in the Pacific Northwest. They talk about the ups and downs of marketing and the failures shop owners make trying to do it themselves. Carrie-Lynn also shares the number one problem she sees shop owners make daily in their marketing.

00:00 Dallas Recording at Elite Worldwide Event

06:16 Ambivalence Towards Car Enthusiasm

09:00 Contemplating Career Change Dilemma

12:42 Transitioning Family Business Leadership

15:33 "Discovering Small Business Marketing"

17:13 "BNI Networking and Marketing Coaching"

21:26 Auto Repair Shop Growth Partnership

26:11 Avoid Bottom Feeders: Offer Value

27:45 Pricing Communication in Service Industries

30:11 Free Diagnostics to Attract Customers

33:17 Building Rapport to Attract Customers

39:03 Entrepreneurial Priorities and Pitfalls

40:27 Proactive Problem-Solving Fix

46:04 Training Focus for Team Growth

49:07 Goal Setting and Succession Planning

50:26 Delegating for Efficiency

Today, Mike Allen and Todd Hayes talk about why his business model works and why many people don't like his methods. But why? They work!    

00:00 "In the Trenches Entrepreneur"  
05:06 Scripted Sales Dialogue Success  
07:18 "Dream Job with Star Athletes"  
12:24 Fluid Exchange Follow-Up Process  
15:12 AI Evolution Since 1986  
19:02 Polaroid Success and Service Failures  
19:51 AI Monitors Call Tone Effectively  
22:38 "Mastering Client Retention Techniques"  
26:50 Successful Entrepreneurial Transformation  
28:58 Weekend Job Brokering Insights  
33:10 Expanding Customer Thresholds  
35:23 "Diagnostic Fees Elimination Success"

Shop ownership is hard. Don't make it harder than it needs to be. I personally use Tekmetric, Turnkey Marketing, and Elite Worldwide in my shop, and it wouldn't be where it is without them. Touch the links below to change your business for the good! 

Tekmetric

Turnkey Marketing

Elite Worldwide

In today's episode, Mike Allen is joined by Jim Murphy and Nick Fox. Nick played college soccer and then replaced Jim at Elite Worldwide. What a shift, right? They also discuss why joining a peer group like Pro Service is a game-changer for many shop owners.

00:00 20 Group Insights with Jim & Nick

06:16 Mentoring Future Successors

07:50 Choosing Nick Fox for Coaching

12:03 Shop Owner Confessions and Mistakes

13:50 "Tire Sales Boost Business Value"

19:37 Navigating Business Succession Planning

23:39 Unique Tax Strategies for Family Businesses

24:38 Maximizing Business Exit Value

29:47 "Sherry's Wild Water Challenge"

32:37 Training Resource Inclusivity

36:43 Evaluating Coaching Effectiveness

38:31 Member Referral Approval Process

40:59 Business Transition Strategies for Aging Owners

I have WAY too many things going on in my life to worry about marketing at my repair shops. So, Turnkey Auto Marketing does it for me, and it's like I hired a social media manager without paying for a full-time salary! Try them out HERE

AI Technology is so helpful! If you use it properly. I've been using Detect Auto's AI at my shop and love the simplicity of it. Try it for yourself and find out HERE

In this episode, we sip whiskey and talk shop with Bret Fadley. Training opportunities are everywhere, but are enough people taking advantage of them? Also, Bret confesses things he wants to improve in at his shop, and he did so unsolicited. Our evil plan is working...

00:00 Pre-Recording Delay & Soccer Chat

09:36 Lancaster Penny Tools Training Event

14:45 Grooming Successor for Business

18:38 "Pay to Quit Dilemma"

23:18 Effective Time Management Insights

30:23 Overcoming Social Anxiety at Events

37:20 Exploring New Teamwork Methods

42:45 "Cost-Effective Power Steering Maintenance"

47:57 Customer Issue Resolved by Competitor

51:24 Shift in Handling Parts Failure

55:02 Choosing Mitchell Over All Data

For shop management, I think Tekmetric is the best. Find out why HERE

For coaching, which has been crucial for me, I use Elite Worldwide. You can too HERE

For marketing, which I think as a shop owner, you NEED help with. Use Turnkey HERE

In this episode, I get Rich Cox and Dan Buss to confess their failures with me. Since we all know each other so well, we really get into it.  If you have a confession to make, leave one for me to play on the podcast when you call 704-CONFESS. We'd love to hear from you!

06:10 "Whiskey Budget Transition"

08:02 "Elite's Methodology-Agnostic Success"

12:26 Perfect Facility Inspires Pride

15:31 Industry Networking and Collaboration Event

18:05 Elevating Professionalism in Business Events

22:19 "20 Group Member Lifecycle"

25:35 "Understanding Personal and Business Growth"

28:01 Emergency Succession Planning Lessons

30:08 Fraternity and Money Conversations

34:46 Learning from Mistakes

37:36 Overworked Team Motivation Issue

42:22 Wife Disapproves Breakfast Meeting

42:58 Rethinking Business Expansion Plan

46:34 Career Tech's Return барriers

52:16 Hobbyists and Technicians in Market

54:01 "Boutique vs. Multi-Shop Ownership"

Need help with your marketing like me? Use Turnkey. Learn how HERE

Today it's coaching call number 3. And you get to hear Matt call me out! I thought I was doing well to complete 4 of 6 goals, but Matt reminded me that if I'm serious about where I want to be in 5 years, then I have to be serious about completing my goals each month. So that was fun to hear. But I'm thankful I have a coach who can say what I need to hear. 

Sorry for the audio issues! 

04:14 Technician Audit Reveals DVI Issue

09:23 Guiding Employees in Goal Setting

10:10 Accelerated Debt Repayment Strategy

15:46 Beyond Ad Spend: Key Marketing Factors

18:48 Weekly KPI Spreadsheet Discussion

21:54 "Advisor Strategy and Solutions"

25:50 Labor vs Parts: Profit Discrepancy

29:02 Missed Goal: Hiring Advisor Assistant

31:16 Tire Sales Strategy Shift

36:15 "Significant AWRO/ARO Improvement"

40:09 Employee Transfer and New Hire

42:48 Establish Store Culture Standards

46:37 Comprehensive Advisor Training Program

48:00 Owner's Accountability and Education Kit

Tekmetric is a customer-focused company. Because they actually listen to what their customers say and use them for updates and changes within the software. I love that. Plus, the software has helped my shop make a ton of money over the years. So that helps too. Want to learn more about Tekmetric? Click HERE

Turnkey Marketing recently helped me figure out a way to help market this podcast that I was very happy with. I couldn't have done it on my own. So, their services came in for me when I needed it the most. They can for you too. Learn how HERE

Today on the podcast, the Buckley family confess their shortcomings. Well, those are hard to find with this bunch. Unless you want to count letting Greg still around as a mistake. HA! The family does talk through challenges they find with a family-fun business, and what they've learned to do when tough times come up.

00:00 "Cowboy Hat Envy in Dallas"

08:16 Mentor Boosts People Skills

12:06 Tech Turned Foreman Insights

20:24 "Elite Program: A Positive Experience"

26:29 Covenant Stops Station Purchase

27:36 Bayfront Reunion with Don Sheldon

34:19 "Air Guns: A Mixed Reaction"

42:35 Adapting to New Community Dynamics

48:04 Finding New Rhythms in Change

52:45 "Educate to Elevate Sales"

56:28 Learning From a Bad Business Deal

59:16 IRS Compliance and Cash Concerns

01:05:32 Aspiring for Ownership Opportunities

I love things that you can set it and forget it. Not that I ever want to forget about marketing at my shop, but if I did, it would be okay. Turkey Marketing has me covered, and it's so nice to have them on my team. Learn how they can help you grow your shop HERE

Do you have a confession to make? If so, call 704-CONFESS (704-266-3377), and we might just play it back on the pod!

Today, Chris Enright of Enright Automotive talks about his focus on growth in 2025 and the difficulties in finding a new location. For Chris, social media plays a huge role in what he does. He gives us advice on what it takes to do that too. If you'd like to follow Chris on TikTok, you can HERE. Subscribe to his YouTube Channel HERE

00:00 Struggling with Training Question

09:20 Equipment Spending and Admin Hire Impact

16:55 Mostly Paid, Sometimes Free

22:21 Unpleasant Car Repair Livestream

25:28 Shop Lacks Needed Vehicle Data

30:08 Workplace Dilemma: Tool Space Issue

36:35 Optimistic Expo Classroom Expansion

42:39 "Uncertainty and Social Media Discovery"

49:29 TikTok Turned YouTube Backlash

53:10 Free Alternator Inspection Offered

55:27 Mazda Tune-Up Misunderstanding

Today's episode I recorded at an Elite Worldwide event in Dallas with two people I know through a peer group I'm in at Elite. So, it's safe to say I'm a big proponent of their coaching services. So, yeah, I think the least you should do is look them up. Do that HERE

I talk about them all the time, because without them, I'm not sure where I'd be as a shop owner. Tekmetric has made my shop what it is. You should use them. Would I steer you wrong? Learn more HERE

Richard worked at a dealership for years, now he owns a repair shop. How did that happen? He tells me today. Harrison is a second-generation shop owner like me, and we talk about the things we've learned and mistakes we've made. Hopefully, so you won't follow in our footsteps. We also drink whiskey with ice. 

00:00 Elite Ignite 2025 Kickoff Night

06:35 65-Year-Old Outspeeds Indoor Kart Enthusiast

08:01 Energetic Entrepreneur Defies Age

11:56 Building Business Skills Toolbox

14:22 Customer-Focused Service Mindset

17:35 "Great Environments Breed Success"

22:08 Neglected Auditing in Business Management

23:51 "Process Importance in Problem Solving"

28:15 Leadership and Growth Challenges

31:55 Learning from Challenging Experiences

33:56 "Building Business Culture and Team"

38:29 Delegation Fuels Business Growth

41:53 "Managing Expectations to Prevent Resentment"

43:54 Addressing Performance Expectations and Accountability

49:32 Self-Sabotage Limits Success

51:07 Employee Growth and Accountability Steps

53:56 Early Morning Riser

Without Tekmetric, where would my shop be? That's a scary thought. Let's change the subject. Where COULD your shop be WITH Tekmetric? Wanna know? Learn more HERE

Matt Fanslow hosts the Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z podcast. Today, we discuss whether you truly can future-proof your shop. Matt says you have to start with passionate and engaged technicians. Also, where in the world is ADAS calibration taking this industry?

00:00 "Podcast Setup Quirks & Cleanliness"

05:05 "Wrestling with Ownership Importance"

08:12 "Shop Growth Through Shared Expertise"

11:55 Key Employees' Ownership Frustration

16:03 TechMetric Transformed Our Shop Management

16:53 "TechMetric: Fueling 300% Growth"

20:55 Subscription Price Increase

24:12 Assessing Profitability in Business Pricing

28:16 Automotive Programming Monopoly

33:18 Right People Over Rules

34:43 Keeping Teams Motivated

38:28 Tech Fatigue Over the Years

40:40 Engagement: Key to Future-Proofing

44:36 Curiosity Affects Interview Perspective

48:43 Demand for Practical Auto Diagnostics Training

51:13 ADAS Education Challenges

54:29 Collision Shop Insurance Discounts

Having accountability as a shop owner is essential to running a successful operation. I'm seeing the benifits now with my small shop through the coaching organization, Elite Worldwide. They can do the same for you. Learn more HERE

John Phelps from Tekmetric and Katy Carl, a shop owner from Upstate New York, shared with me what they've done wrong this year. We talk processes, customer convenience, four-day work weeks, and how I've found success being open on Saturdays. 

00:00 Brain Development in Young Adults

04:21 "Raising Kids in a Digital Age"

06:47 Tekmetric Transforms Shop Management

10:56 Reluctant Family Business Acquisition

15:13 "Expansion and Hiring Updates"

18:56 Revamping Auto Industry Leadership

21:27 Streamlining Growth with Shop Genie Acquisition

24:53 Innovative Development Through Foresight

27:55 Scaling Challenges in Growing Startups

29:38 "Ego and Insularity in Business"

32:52 Lesson Learned, Team Revitalized

37:20 "Success Hinders Dealership Progress"

40:10 Retail Pricing Trends and Auto Industry

43:22 Adams Automotive Program Insights

48:30 "Maintaining Energy for Yearly Goals"

49:21 Accountability Coaching Experience Documented

52:20 "Seeking Successful Break and Growth"

55:29 Tekmetric Team and Growth Overview

59:22 "Confessions of a Shop Owner"

If you listened to ep 10, Matt Lofton from Elite Worldwide called me out about how I handled a tech at my shop. And now, that situation is in a better place. I need that accountability. I think every shop owner does. Find out how Elite Worldwide can help you HERE

Register for Fueling Connections in Mooresville, NC April 11-12 with Josh and Lola: CLICK HERE

In this episode, Mike Allen, Bryan Pollock, Josh Parnell, and (Lola) Lauralee Schmidt talk about Fueling Connections coming up in April and why it's an important event for shop owners. Mike confessed about a blunder at his shop last week, too. 

00:00 It Snows Where Bryan Lives and Doesn't Where Mike Lives

07:34 Leadership Coach and Speaker Journey

15:00 Overlooked Car Issues Lead to Repairs

19:32 TechMetric Boosts Business Performance

23:38 Customer-Supplied Parts Installation Issue

32:34 Evolving Leadership Processes

37:41 Improving Missed Call Response

43:30 "Connection Before Profit"

44:32 "Empowering Service Teams for Growth"

50:56 Varied Commitment Among Team Members

59:36 Automotive Leadership Focus

01:01:52 Confessions of a Shop Owner

Today, you'll get a glimpse into what a coaching call with Elite Worldwide can look like. That's because Mike and Matt sit down for a coaching call about one of Mike's shops. They go over how to mix personal goals and professional ambitions and strategies for increasing efficiency and revenue at the shop.

00:00 Aligning Goals with Action Plan

06:29 Aligning Personal and Business Goals

08:44 Aligning Team Goals with Personal Growth

12:58 Monetary Motivation in Work

16:11 Fixed Salary for Productivity

18:20 Calculating Effective Labor Costs

20:32 Understanding Technician Costs

24:15 Boosting Efficiency and Productivity

26:56 "Non-Conformity Why Statements"

32:56 Increasing Daily Revenue with Fewer Cars

36:15 TechMetric Performance Report Discussion

39:36 Improving Service Efficiency & Execution

42:15 "Understanding Business Purpose and Process"

45:45 Customer-Business-Employee Triangle Insight

49:09 Optimizing Advisor and Technician Goals

51:12 "Managing Ethics and Incentives"

Shop coaching has helped me stay on course managing my business. Elite will help you too. Try them HERE

In this episode, Josh Coomes comes on to talk about his troll game and how he runs his business as a former service advisor. The guys talk about how important a strong team is and how constructing it can take a while. 

00:00 Choosing Tekmetric Over Shop Boss

09:29 Goal-Setting System for Success

15:44 Army Career Path in Power Jobs

17:51 Degenerative Disc Surgery Experience

23:04 Custom Brake Service Promotion

32:49 Generous Gesture and Donation Plan

38:20 Staying Profitable in Business

43:45 Fault Diagnosis and Cost Confusion

45:27 Adjusting Labor Rates for Profitability

54:21 Efficient Dealership Work Flow Strategy

56:48 "Ensuring Technician Safety First"

01:05:47 "Confessions of a Shop Owner"

01:06:25 "Shop Ownership Journey"

Greg Buckley and Stephane Grabina enter the confessional in today's episode. They each talk through the challenges of having consistent leadership with staff. They even discuss the increasingly popular topic of the four-day workweek.

00:00 Trade Consistency: No Magic Needed

03:43 "The Process-Driven Coaching Debate"

08:39 "Implementing the Rack Attack Idea"

09:31 "Engagement Essential for Success"

15:24 Campaign Failed: No Calls Received

18:55 Hands-Off Approach Backfires

19:47 Implementing New Store Concepts

22:52 Free January Saturday Oil Changes

28:24 Incremental Growth Despite Implementation Challenges

29:40 Finding Motivation and Connection

35:14 Data Significance Debate

36:17 Unconventional Performance Measuring Approaches

39:24 Elite Diverse Auto Group Accountability

44:49 "Mindset Shift for Better Matches"

48:27 "Car Repair Diagnostics Expert"

52:07 Shop Training Plan Evaluation

54:13 "Wishing for a Dedicated Sarah"

Feel like you've hit a wall as a shop owner but want to keep getting better? Check out some of the best auto shop coaching the industry has to offer with Elite Worldwide. Sign up HERE

In this episode,  Dutch Silverstein shares his stance on pricing, saying many shops simply miss the mark. Dutch then enters the confessional, and you'll hear him share some crazy stories.

00:00 "Moral Compass Mid-Course Correction"

07:08 Free Diagnostics in Repair Scenarios

15:22 "The 5% Dilemma in Auto Shops"

17:18 Pre-Approval for Repair Evaluation

24:20 Flexible Diagnostic Retainer Policy

30:30 Finding Top Dead Center

36:07 Effective Communication & Responsibility

39:24 Pay Structures in Auto Repair

47:53 Labor Rate Posting Rules

51:41 "Mixed Signals: Pizza Amidst Pay Cuts"

53:57 "Secret Pizza Party Advice"

Today, Mike and Lucas talk about embezzlement, yelling at customers as a shop owner, and how to learn lessons from mistakes.  Lucas talks about a leadership class in San Diego he attended and how it impacted his management approach. Lucas then enters the confessional to talk about a confrontation he had with a customer he should have fired years ago. Does he regret how he handled it? 

00:00 Leadership Psychology in Business Deals

05:21 Rewriting Your Inner Dialogue

12:11 "Embrace Struggle, Aspire Higher"

20:40 Cookie Shop Car Service

25:13 Morning Decision-Making Moment

31:00 Regret Over Rushed Manager Changes

31:44 Reflection on Past Decisions

39:04 Close-Knit Workplace Bonding

47:26 Demanding Employer with Communication Struggles

51:40 Establishing Family Business Governance

57:41 Changing Stories Trigger Suspicion

01:02:38 Hiring a Coach Experience

01:06:34 Opposing Frivolous Lawsuits for Healing

01:11:07 City Controller's $52M Theft Uncovered

01:15:00 Unintended Consequences of Reporting Fraud

01:24:28 IRS Tax Liability Confusion

01:30:13 Unmanaged Culture and Leadership Issues

01:31:36 Confidence in Problem-Solving Ability

01:36:25 Confessions of a Shop Owner

A good business coach makes all the difference in this industry. That's why for years, I've used Elite Worldwide. Need a coach, or want to know how they can help you? CLICK HERE

Joe Adams is a second-generation shop owner at Adams Automotive in Houston, Texas. Joe talks about the challenges of trying to carry on the family business. Mike and Joe talk a lot about Joe's mentor, Todd Hayes, and how he's helped Joe realize a few key things: to focus on what works and strive for high-margin through exceptional customer service. 

00:00 "Business Boom Post-COVID Surge"

03:58 Business Transition Concerns

08:05 Assessing Technician Expertise

13:11 Father-Son Business Dynamics

15:03 Girlfriend's Intuition Senses Troublemaker

19:08 Success and Financial Fulfillment

23:41 Passion and Hard Work Balance

24:40 Reflective Leadership and Sales Coaching

28:25 Work Variety and Training Passion

31:40 Service Pricing Justification

33:40 "Maximizing Profit Through Selective Work"

37:53 "From Facebook to Full Parking Lot"

40:21 "Controversy on Opening Sundays"

Today, Zeb Beard tells the story of how he became a baller shop owner and why he has a no-nonsense approach to customer service. He also brags on his unique business model, which includes a massive 62,000-square-foot facility. He lives on-site and has living quarters for potential out-of-state hires. Crazy huh? You also won't believe Zeb's marketing strategy.

00:00 Thorough Vehicle Quality Assurance

08:38 Remote Worker Accommodations Concept

13:04 Dozer Foundation Miscalculation

16:57 Trusting Instincts in Hiring

26:39 Avoiding Unwise Business Competition

28:40 Affordable Coaching: Life-Changing Impact

34:42 Joining BNI and Business Coaching Experience

41:30 Developing Wine Tasting Skills

47:06 Parallel Lives in the Auto Industry

50:52 Engine Sales Experience and Challenges

54:12 Customer Refuses Warranty Return Process

01:01:50 Heaviest Tanning Bed Experience

01:09:12 Discovering Dirt Track Racing

01:10:18 Go-Kart Adventures of the 90s

01:16:10 "Confessions of a Shop Owner"

If not for Elite Worldwide and their help to keep me in line with one-on-one coaching, I'm not sure where my shop would be today - or me for that matter! They can help you too - TOUCH HERE to find out how.

Mike Allen is joined by Matt Lofton, Elite Worldwide's Director of Coaching. Mike is gonna air out all his problems with these monthly coaching calls! Poor Matt...Today Matt tells Mike how important morning huddles and team meetings are for his team. Mike talks about his financial challenges and strategic goals for 2025. 

00:00 Matt started sales at 17 and managed business at 19.

04:41 Transitioned from racing to the automotive repair business.

10:04 I Started racing young; I initially wanted a football career.

11:14 Progressed from local to national racing success.

15:48 Started business locally to ensure true success.

19:31 Coaching effectiveness depends on relevant experience.

24:16 Plan: Add staff after reaching 100 hours.

28:13 Business analysis report calculates financial metrics.

32:01 Target ARO $700-$750; AWRO $1400-$1500; 50% close.

35:01 Implement the "rack attack" concept for improved service.

36:57 Learn, laugh, and share confessions; subscribe for more!

Mike and Bryan chat with Tonnika Haynes, Lauralee Schmidt, and Dan Thieken on today's episode. Their conversation will entertain and cover things like the challenges of mandated inspections, marketing expenses, and failed repairs. Got something you'd like to confess? Drop us a line at mike@confessionsofashopowner.com.

00:00 Trust your instincts; coaches need evaluation.

10:06 Different perspectives are crucial in basketball coaching.

14:34 People pay unnecessarily for insights, frustratingly breadcrumbed.

19:00 A successful 20-group meeting involves give-and-take.

23:32 Resisting condescension, questioning teaching assumptions.

32:33 Repair failed; rain-damaged outside connection blamed.

34:24 Working outdoors beats tech duties in the shop.

41:17 Loyalty over bargains; dealing with difficult customers.

46:10 Dad secured the future by buying another store.

55:36 Dealers lack training for effective car diagnostics.

57:40 Dealer warranted truck; shared log for approval.

01:05:26 Confessions shop owner: honesty, humor, engaging discussions.

If not for Elite Worldwide and their help to keep me in line with one-on-one coaching, I'm not sure where my shop would be today - or me for that matter! They can help you too - TOUCH HERE to find out how.

It's episode 1! Today, Mike and Bryan talk about how they manage staff morale and throw team parties. Bryan goes over the pros and cons of open bars and cash bars at parties, while Mike likes using a wristband system. They also discuss why they buy meals for staff.

00:00 Welcome to an entertaining automotive aftermarket podcast!

07:50 Juggling responsibilities with tightly scheduled routines.

10:47 Discussing business growth, quality, and pricing strategies.

20:48 Dealer group recruits college kids with funding.

21:36 Dealer recruitment hinders community college graduation rates.

28:41 Lucas Underwood evolved and built a larger successful shop.

35:44 It's costly, choosing essentials over desires.

39:33 Indefinite timeline requested for truck delivery.

47:07 New York training: minimal weekend time commitment.

52:25 Invest in training, and scan tools to solve problems.

55:28 Schedule change: Weekends now include workdays.

01:03:47 Confessions of a Shop Owner podcast overview.

01:04:53 Bryan chopped down all his pine trees.