Ratchet+Wrench Radio

Many shop owners set out to build a business but end up building themselves a job. Chris Knuth knows that trap firsthand. In The Owner's Manual, he shares the lessons he learned moving from technician to shop owner to entrepreneur and investor — and explains why the biggest obstacle to a shop running without its owner may be the owner himself. In this episode, Knuth breaks down the mindset shifts,...

Training shouldn't end when the class does. Ellie Pentland of Throttle Muscle shares how repair shop owners can build more effective training programs by setting clear goals, keeping employees focused and following up consistently.  

Your parking lot is full. Your sales look good. So why does it feel like your shop isn’t moving forward? Jim Saeli explains how owners can spot the difference between activity and real growth, identify the bottlenecks holding their shops back and build the systems, teams and habits needed to reach the next level.

As more electric vehicles hit the road, they're reshaping more than repair procedures—they're changing how disabled vehicles reach your shop in the first place. Jeff Wiener, COO of Nation Safe Drivers, joins the podcast to explain why most EV roadside calls aren't caused by mechanical failures, why flatbed towing is becoming increasingly important, and how repair shops can prepare for a future whe...

Giving back can do more than support a good cause—it can also strengthen your shop's reputation and deepen customer loyalty. In this episode of Ratchet+Wrench Radio, Christine Schaffran talks with Adam Sutton, CEO of DX3 Brands and RNR Tire Express, about how shop owners can turn community involvement into a strategic advantage by creating meaningful, authentic connections in their local markets.

"Run it like you own it" has become a common phrase in independent repair shops, but what does it actually mean? In this episode of Ratchet+Wrench Radio, Bill Snow of Rad Air in Strongsville, Ohio, unpacks why giving managers responsibility without authority, expectations without training, and accountability without clear boundaries often sets them up to fail. From promoting top technicians into l...

Finding the right part has long been one of the biggest friction points in the repair process. Multiple searches, outdated systems, phone calls and inconsistent data can slow down repairs and create uncertainty. United Recyclers Group CEO Kristi Werner joins Ratchet+Wrench Radio to discuss the launch of Auto Part Search — a new platform designed to make finding and purchasing recycled OEM parts fa...

Selling a shop isn't just a transaction—it's a transition. For many owners, their business represents decades of sacrifice, identity, relationships, and purpose. In this episode, Scott Anderson, president and COO of GreatWater 360 Auto Care, shares what shop owners should expect emotionally when considering an exit, how they can prepare themselves and their teams, and what life can look like on th...

A fender bender that turns into a financial crisis? It's happening more often than many drivers realize. On this episode of Ratchet+Wrench Radio, Dr. Blaire O'Neal, author of Totaled: The Real Cost of Vehicle Loss, explores why moderate collisions increasingly result in total losses. From advanced vehicle technology and parts pricing to insurance thresholds and consumer awareness, O'Neal explains...

The technician shortage isn't just a pipeline problem—it's a workplace challenge. While more students are pursuing skilled trades than in recent years, many independent shops are still struggling to hire and keep young technicians. Drawing on findings from the latest technician supply and demand report from TechForce Foundation , Jennifer Maher explains why Gen Z is rethinking traditional career p...

Fleet vehicles can't make money when they're sitting in a shop. In this episode of Ratchet+Wrench Radio, Dan Autey, head of automotive aftermarket at Stryten Energy, breaks down the growing complexity of today's vehicle electrical systems, why battery health is becoming critical to fleet uptime, and how shops can position themselves as trusted fleet partners. From start-stop technology and advance...

Why do employees stay at a company for 25, 40, even 50 years? In this episode of Ratchet+Wrench Radio, Josh Wilber discusses the hiring and retention lessons behind Grote Industries’ 125-year legacy. From identifying future leaders and navigating generational shifts to avoiding costly hiring compromises, Wilber shares practical strategies shop owners can use right now to build stronger teams, impr...

Giving back can do more than support a good cause—it can also strengthen your shop's reputation and deepen customer loyalty. In this episode of Ratchet+Wrench Radio, Christine Schaffran talks with Adam Sutton, CEO of DX3 Brands and RNR Tire Express, about how shop owners can turn community involvement into a strategic advantage by creating meaningful, authentic connections in their local markets.

Congress recently advanced legislation addressing Right to Repair, but the final language looks much different than what independent repair advocates originally sought. Bill Hanvey, president and CEO of the Auto Care Association, joins Ratchet+Wrench Radio to explain what made it into the bill, what was left out, what happens next, and how shop owners can help shape the future of vehicle data acce...

In the final episode of Financial Future of Independent Auto Repair, CPA Nick Papakyrikos connects the dots between profitability, shop valuation, and long-term wealth creation. From the “Rule of 130” to the power of a “second bite of the apple,” Nick breaks down how shop owners can turn a successful business into generational wealth—while avoiding the mistakes that leave too much risk tied up in...

In episode two of this special Ratchet+Wrench Radio series, The Financial Future of Independent Auto Repair Shops, CPA Nick Papakyrikos unpacks one of the industry’s hottest—and most misunderstood—topics: private equity. From EBITDA and shop valuations to platform companies and generational wealth, Nick explains why investors see independent repair shops as prime opportunities, even when owners fe...

CPA Nick Papakyrikos joins Ratchet+Wrench Radio host Christine Schaffran for Episode 1 of a three-part series on why busy shops still struggle financially, what private equity sees in the industry, and how shop owners can build lasting wealth instead of burnout.

Ashley Jo Bloom, co-owner of PNW Automotive, talks about growing up in the garage, redefining shop culture, empowering future technicians, and building a family business designed to last for generations.

Technicians are speaking up—and the message is clear. From pay and career paths to culture and communication, this episode dives into what shop owners must understand (and do differently) to compete for talent in 2026.

Think your shop is just four walls and a lift? Think again. Discover how real estate strategies like sale leasebacks can fuel expansion, boost liquidity, and reshape the way you grow your business.

Between difficult customers, endless to-do lists, and constant problem-solving, it’s easy for shop owners to operate on autopilot. In this episode of Ratchet+Wrench Radio, Margaret Light explains how simple mindfulness habits can help you slow down, think clearly, and lead more effectively—without adding another task to your day.

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

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

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

A technician crashes two vehicles and causes $14,000 in damage. Instead of punishment, Louie Sharp chose something different. In Give Up What You Don’t Need, you’ll hear how one decision—to release revenge and lean into leadership—turned a mistake into an investment and transformed an employee into a production manager. If you’re holding onto anger, fear, control, comparison, or even yesterday’s s...