Auto Service World Conversations

Young aftermarket leaders want clearer paths, more trust and better communication from today’s executives. Elisse Richardson, district sales manager at Driv and chair of Modern Industry eXpertise (MiX), a leadership council made up of young industry leaders, about research findings. She explores why only so few high-potential leaders feel unclear on advancement, why many hesitate to raise concerns...

We have our full conversations with representatives from Volvo, Ford and Stellantis to share in this episode. We asked Matt Girgis from Volvo Canada about the impact of rebates, Chinese EVs and more, Said Deep talks about consumer choice and Ford’s plan to offer traditional aftermarket services to current vehicle owners, Kevy Stephen from Ford talks about the growth and plans for its Ford Pro mobi...

At its annual trade show in Vancouver, Samantha and Ian Coates discuss how Lordco Auto Parts is navigating a shifting aftermarket shaped by economic pressure, changing consumer behaviour and rapid technology adoption. They reflect on a year that saw trade strength early and a retail rebound driven by the launch of Lordco’s e‑commerce platform. The conversation explores how customers are prioritizi...

Auto Service World Conversations sits down with Emily Chung, the new president and CEO of AIA Canada, to reflect on her first 100 days in the role. Emily shares how her background as a technician, service advisor and shop owner shapes her leadership style, her focus on staff and stakeholder relationships, and how she’s leveraging lived experience to speak on key issues like right to repair, advanc...

Welcome to the enhanced media segment for the March issue of Jobber News. We’re featuring AIA Canada incoming chair Jason Herle with more of our discussion that couldn’t fit in the pages of the feature. Jason talks about how he learned from his predecessor Brent Hesje, who also once served as AIA Canada chair, his key messages for the industry plus, what advice he would give to professionals in th...

Kim Cottle, president and CEO of Associated Equipment, a manufacturer of battery chargers, shares her journey from joining her family’s business to becoming its leader, highlighting her passion for U.S.-based manufacturing and product innovation. She advocates for women’s involvement in the automotive industry, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, networking and leadership roles. Kim looks at...

Ontario is facing a mounting tire crisis after regulatory changes lowered recycling targets from 85% to 65%, leaving millions of tires stranded across the province. Adam Moffatt, executive director of the Ontario Tire Dealers Association, about how reduced obligations have triggered service cutbacks, stockpiles and growing fire, safety, insurance and environmental risks, especially in rural areas....

We rounded up highlights following conversations with representatives from Volvo, Ford and Stellantis from the 2026 Canadian International AutoShow in Toronto. During Media Day, Matt Girgis from Volvo Canada explores about the importance of government incentives, how much they’ll actually help and what impact Chinese EVs can have on the market, Said Deep from Ford tells us how Ford is making an ef...

Meagan Moody, founder of The Moody Blueprint, shares her unique journey from a career in her family’s aftermarket business to launching her own strategic consulting firm. She discusses what exactly fractional leadership is, its evolution and benefits. She also dives into the challenges and opportunities of striking out on her own and the importance of building strong networks. Meagan also tackles...

Isaac Bunick, founder of Motormia, explains how artificial intelligence is transforming the parts-buying experience among car enthusiasts. Originating from moments in the garage with his daughter, Isaac shares how Motormia harnesses AI and real-world evidence to help users discover, modify and source vehicle parts. The discussion covers challenges in data accuracy and the goal of creating unbiased...

Rob Blitzstein joins us to talk about his new venture, True North Consulting. He comes from a storied family aftermarket business and was a leader at Parts Authority but is now launching his own consulting venture aimed at the Canadian automotive aftermarket. Rob shares insights from his deep industry roots, discusses the challenges and opportunities unique to the Canadian market and emphasizes th...

Emily Holby, vice president of government relations at AIA Canada, joins us to talk about the evolving landscape of right to repair in Canada. Holby shares insights on the progress and ongoing challenges in federal and provincial legislation, highlighting Quebec’s leadership and the need for a national framework. The conversation dives into the need for adapting advocacy to a new federal governmen...

Barbara Moran-Goodrich, president and CEO of Moran Family of Brands, joins this episode to talk about Moran’s acquisition of Mister Transmission. Barbara shares her personal journey into the automotive aftermarket and franchising world, the family philosophy of helping entrepreneurs build their own legacy and how she encourages a franchisee-first culture. She explains what the deal means for Canad...

Tune into the Enhanced Media portion of the December 2025 issue of CARS magazine to hear more from Sal Medici, owner of Platinum Automotive Repair in Niagara Falls, winner of the 2025 Shop of the Year Award, Sponsored by Milwaukee Tool. This more from our conversation that we couldn’t fit into the magazine. Listen now to hear more of their insights and check out the full feature in the magazine. S...

Bill Hanvey, president of the Auto Care Association, joins Auto Service World Conversations to explore the latest happenings in the aftermarket and nail down the challenges and opportunities. He discusses how the industry is adapting to political uncertainty, tariffs and evolving consumer behaviours, while highlighting the pivotal roles of artificial intelligence, global collaboration and technica...

At AAPEX 2025, J.F. Champagne, president of AIA Canada, joins Auto Service World Conversations, as he reflects on a decade of industry transformation. The discussion explores the impact of global uncertainty, shifting supply chains, and changing supplier loyalties, while highlighting the resilience and adaptability of the aftermarket. With his tenure coming to a close, he discusses the transition...

Tune into the Enhanced Media portion of the November 2025 issue of Jobber News to hear more from Kenton Swizter, Kyle van Polen and Chris Funk from Pat’s Auto Supply, the 2025 winner of the Jobber of the Year Award. This is bonus content we couldn’t fit into the magazine, so listen now to hear more of their insights. Support the show

It’s been a year of growth and innovation for Bestbuy Distributor and president Nick Brunet joins this episode to talk about the journey. He discusses overcoming industry challenges like tariffs, expanding its shareholder base across the country and the opening of a new DC in Montreal. Bruney also explains how the company is leveraging data-driven strategies to enhance operations, its commitment t...

What’s it like to get laid off and go through the job-hunting process? Many have been down that road and many will again. But how you position yourself in the world, online and offline, will go along way to making that journey easier. Jacki Lutz, director of content at the Auto Care Association, discusses the realities of career transitions and job hunting. Jacki shares her personal journey of bei...

In this episode, Emily Chung shares her firsthand experience selling her auto repair shop, AutoNiche in Markham, Ont. She discusses the importance of thinking early about succession planning, preparing clear financial statements and documenting business processes to ensure a smooth transition. Chung emphasizes honest communication with staff, the emotional ups and downs of the sale process and vet...

Artificial intelligence has been making noise for years now. And as it rapidly grows, the automotive aftermarket has been figuring out where it fits in. Tilak Kasturi, co-founder and CEO of Predii, which supports shop software and jobber business management systems, joins this episode to discuss how AI is currently helping the auto care industry and what it may be capable of in the future. He expl...

Alain Primeau, executive vice president of UAP, shares his insights on the evolving landscape of the automotive aftermarket. He explores how technology, consumer behaviour and market dynamics are reshaping the sector. Primeau highlights the shift towards digital tools, the growing importance of quality parts and the emergence of electric vehicles. He emphasizes UAP's strategic approach to ada...

Bryce Gregory, director of strategic product technology at Enersys, which goes to market as Odyssey, explores the critical role of AGM lead-acid batteries in the evolving electric vehicle landscape. Despite the rise of lithium-ion technologies, lead-acid batteries remain essential for auxiliary power, safety systems and key functions in modern vehicles. With 99% recyclability and proven reliabilit...

Donovan Ringo, senior manager of emerging technologies at NAPA, explores the transformative technologies reshaping the automotive industry, particularly for repair shops. With ADAS, EVs and autonomous driving at various stages of sophistication, Ringo emphasizes the critical need for independent shops to invest in emerging technologies. He discusses the challenges shops face in adopting new tech,...

With many auto repair shop owners looking to soon exit their business, Sunil Patel, founder of Tekmetric, explains what’s important to potential buyers, from an internal one, to the shop down the street to a private equity firm. Patel outlines key steps for shop owners to make their businesses more attractive for acquisition, emphasizing clean financials, operational efficiency, and strong custome...