The Tune Up Podcast

The bond between people, cars, and automotive culture is ever-changing, and reshaping the industry in exciting ways. This year at SEMA, the crew gathered together with industry experts to discuss how the latest trends are inspiring the next generation of gearheads, technicians, and automotive professionals. In Part 2 of 2 of this topic, the crew spoke with Bob Morreale, President of The Tuning Sch...

The bond between people, cars, and automotive culture is ever-changing and reshaping the industry in exciting ways. This year at SEMA, the crew gathered together with industry experts to discuss how the latest trends are inspiring the next generation of gearheads, technicians, and automotive professionals. In Part 1 of 2, the crew sits down with Chris Stewart, Founder & President of GRIDLIFE,...

SEMA 2024 is just around the corner, and we couldn’t be more excited! In this episode of the podcast, we dive into the automotive aftermarket. How is the landscape shaping up, and what challenges and opportunities lie ahead for the industry? Are you pumped for SEMA and AAPEX this year? Be sure to stop by the Shopmonkey booth  — we would love to meet you! You’ll find us at SEMA, booth #11861 (North...

In this episode, we tackle the topic of reversing negative stereotypes toward automotive repair shops. We explore the root causes of these misconceptions, from poor past experiences to a lack of transparency, and discuss actionable steps repair shops can take to rebuild trust with customers. Tune in to discover how improved communication, customer education, and modern technology are reshaping the...

What are the pros and cons of specialization in auto repair? How niche should a shop be? Is it beneficial to for shops to specialize by vehicle type or type of work, or better to be a shop that does it all? The big question: what is better for business? Tune in to hear the crew’s thoughts.

What if you gave every customer a $5 gift card to enjoy a coffee at the cafe down the street while they waited for their vehicle? In this episode, the crew is coming in hot with game-changing tips and advice for shop owners to create unforgettable customer experiences and a vibrant presence within their local communities. Tune in to get access to creative ideas that are both practical and simple t...

Launching a successful auto repair shop is no small undertaking, but getting off on the right foot can make all the difference. Establishing the right tools and processes early on can lead to long-term benefits—more efficient operations, improved organization, an enhanced customer experience, and better insights into the business. It's also about creating a strong work culture that helps you...

Online reviews — get them...or die? In this episode of the Tune Up Podcast, the crew discusses why it is critical for automotive shop owners to own and manage their online presence. Learn about the obvious (and not so obvious) benefits of gathering and responding to customer reviews and discover some practical steps to boost your online reputation. Watch the full video of the podcast on the Shopmo...

Does AI play a significant role in the near and distant future of the automotive service industry? In this episode, the team tackles the topic of how AI might assist the various roles within shops and where we see it starting to show up already. We also discuss why some people are afraid of AI, and whether or not they should they be. Tune in to hear the crew's thoughts.

In this episode of The Tune Up Podcast, the crew takes a peek into the crystal ball and pulls out predictions for the upcoming year in all-things-automotive. Car rental agencies are selling their EV fleets. Will the EV empire start to take a downturn and trend more toward hybrid vehicles again? Or will there be new entry points for EV late adopters? How will the current state of the economy and in...

In this episode of The Tune Up Podcast, the crew discusses various pay structures for automotive shops. What are the pros and cons of staff pay structures such as hourly, flat rate, salaried, hourly with bonus incentives, etc. and how do these impact a shop’s bottom line and ability to retain top talent? On the customer side of things, how do labor rates play into how a car owner perceives a shop?...

It's been an exciting inaugural season of The Tune Up Podcast! Join us for a rapid-fire recap of topics we discussed in 2023. The team talks about favorite cars, facial hair, and our favorite automotive topics from season 1 of the podcast — including everything from shop design and experience to shop pricing.

In this episode, we discuss the macroeconomic trends that impact the auto repair industry, what to look out for, and what to do about it. How can shops reframe seasonal downtimes as an opportunity to improve overall shop performance somehow? Should shop owners look inward and incentivize technicians to learn a new skill or pursue a certification, or look outward and build up customer relationships...

In light of SEMA happening this week, we are discussing whether or not aftermarket services have a place in general repair shops and vice versa. Should shops expand to offer aftermarket services to attract a more diverse set of customers? What are the pros and cons? Quick lube shops that do lift kits!? Performance shops that do brake jobs!? Tune in to hear the crew’s thoughts. Want to watch the fu...

In episode five of The Tune Up Podcast, we discuss the critical and oftentimes very complex role that a service writer plays in the success of a high-functioning automotive shop. Is it more important to have a technical understanding of automotive repair or the ability to offer excellent customer service? What is the best path to becoming a service writer? When is it time for a small business to a...

In episode four of The Tune Up Podcast, we discuss canned services and automating your shop. Is your auto shop running as efficiently as it should? We dive deep into maximizing your shop's productivity while minimizing your stress.

In episode three of The Tune Up Podcast, we discuss Building Community & Customer Trust. As a shop owner, what can you do to create a sense of community not only within your business, but outside of it as well? As a customer, what do you value most in your shop experience, and how can shop owners better meet these needs? We break down some of the potential tools in your arsenal to bridge the g...

In episode two of The Tune Up podcast, we discuss The Technician Shortage — What skills and qualities are most valuable for new professionals in the auto industry and to get involved.  Also, how can the auto repair industry attract the next generation of car enthusiasts to pursue a career as a technician and continue to fuel the growing need for talented people working in this space?   

In the first episode of The Tune Up podcast, we discuss Mobile Repair Services — We’ve seen this happen with things like Doordash and Uber Eats, and it's continuing to gain momentum in auto repair shops. Do we see a future where this becomes even more popular nationwide, or will this business concept fade away over time?