Michael Doherty

AutoFix AdvisorCast

Leisure EN ↓ 56 episodes

Welcome to AutoFix AdvisorCast, the podcast where automotive service advisors finally have a place to call home. Hosted by industry veteran Michael Doherty, with over 28 years of experience in the trenches, this show dives deep into the challenges, frustrations, and demands of being a service advisor in the independent auto repair world. AutoFix: AdvisorCast isn’t just about problems; it’s about solutions. Michael Doherty shares best practices, actionable tips, war stories, and fresh ideas from the front lines of advising. Michael’s mission is simple: to help service advisors and shop owners r...

Author

Michael Doherty

Category

Leisure

Latest episode

Oct 31, 2025

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Episodes

Service Advisors - Do You Smile Through The Phone? 09.05.2025

Thanks to our sponsor WorldPac and the WorldPac Training Institute (WTI)! TOUCH HERE for the latest in auto parts distribution and HERE to explore training programs that can take your career to the next level.  In this episode, Michael Doherty tackles a recurring topic among auto shops: the importance of phone skills for service advisors. Michael emphasizes how creating a positive first impression...

Turning DIYers Into Loyal Customers | Service Advisors Listen Up! 02.05.2025

Thanks to our sponsor WorldPac and the WorldPac Training Institute (WTI)! TOUCH HERE for the latest in auto parts distribution and HERE to explore training programs that can take your career to the next level.  In this episode, Michael Doherty talks about that issue we all struggle with... Converting do-it-yourselfers into loyal shop customers. Michael shares his personal experiences growing up ar...

How Service Advisors Can Decode Customer Body Language 25.04.2025

Thanks to our sponsor WorldPac and the WorldPac Training Institute (WTI)! TOUCH HERE for the latest in auto parts distribution and HERE to explore training programs that can take your career to the next level.  In today's episode, Michael Doherty dives into the art of reading customers’ nonverbal cues and matching their communication styles at the front counter. He highlights how noticing body lan...

Service Advisors! Are You A Visionary or Integrator? 18.04.2025

Thanks to our sponsor WorldPac and the WorldPac Training Institute (WTI)! TOUCH HERE for the latest in auto parts distribution and HERE to explore training programs that can take your career to the next level.  In this episode, Michael Doherty talks about two types of repair shop service advisors. Visionaries and integrators. Do you know which one you are? And if you do, do you know the best way t...

Don't Sell To Clients, Educate Them! Tips For Service Advisors 11.04.2025

Thanks to our sponsor WorldPac and the WorldPac Training Institute (WTI)! TOUCH HERE for the latest in auto parts distribution and HERE to explore training programs that can take your career to the next level.  In this episode, Michael Doherty talks about how to shift from a sales-oriented mindset to one focused on education and trust as a service advisor. He shares tips on enhancing customer rela...

Service Advisors! It's Time To Prep for Busy Season At Your Shop! 04.04.2025

Thanks to our sponsor WorldPac and the WorldPac Training Institute (WTI)! TOUCH HERE for the latest in auto parts distribution and HERE to explore training programs that can take your career to the next level.  In this episode, Michael Doherty helps you prepare for the busy spring season! Michael says to ensure all shop equipment, such as lifts and alignment racks, are serviced and certified to av...

Becoming a Skittle-Pooping Unicorn. AKA - A Great Advisor 28.03.2025

Thanks to our sponsor WorldPac and the WorldPac Training Institute (WTI)! TOUCH HERE for the latest in auto parts distribution and HERE to explore training programs that can take your career to the next level.  In this episode, Michael Doherty shares how to become a standout service advisor. Or, like one technician on Reddit said, a "skittle pooping unicorn." Michael says early preparation for the...

Phone Conversation Tips For Service Advisors. Do You Actively Listen? 21.03.2025

Thanks to our sponsor WorldPac and the WorldPac Training Institute (WTI)! TOUCH HERE for the latest in auto parts distribution and HERE to explore training programs that can take your career to the next level.  In today's episode, Michael Doherty talks about active listening for service advisors. He points out the common issue of disengagement during phone conversations and emphasizes the signific...

My Thoughts From Vision 2025 in Kansas City 14.03.2025

Thanks to our sponsor WorldPac and the WorldPac Training Institute (WTI)! TOUCH HERE for the latest in auto parts distribution and HERE to explore training programs that can take your career to the next level.  In this episode, Michael Doherty shares his takeaways from Vision Hi-Tech Training and Expo. He tells the story of his travel to the event, highlighting the professionalism of the Southwest...

Advisors Listen Up! Helpful Tips For Building Estimates At Your Repair Shop 07.03.2025

Thanks to our sponsor WorldPac and the WorldPac Training Institute (WTI)! TOUCH HERE for the latest in auto parts distribution and HERE to explore training programs that can take your career to the next level.  In today's episode, Michael Doherty covers what you need to know about providing estimates to new customers over the phone. Michael shares personal experiences, illustrating the importance...

How To Manage Extended Warranty Expectations 28.02.2025

Thanks to our sponsor WorldPac and the WorldPac Training Institute (WTI)! TOUCH HERE for the latest in auto parts distribution and HERE to explore training programs that can take your career to the next level.  Today, Michael Doherty talks about the ever-so-dreaded topic of third-party warranty companies. If you're an advisor, you've had many headaches from dealing with them. So, what's the secret...

How To Improve the Vehicle Check-In Process at Repair Shops 21.02.2025

Thanks to our sponsor WorldPac and the WorldPac Training Institute (WTI)! TOUCH HERE for the latest in auto parts distribution and HERE to explore training programs that can take your career to the next level.  Today, Michael Doherty talks about managing vehicle check-ins through the lens of offense vs defense. He says you should take an offensive approach by documenting the vehicle's condition wi...

How To Improve Your First Impressions With Customers As A Service Advisor 14.02.2025

Thanks to our sponsor WorldPac and the WorldPac Training Institute (WTI)! TOUCH HERE for the latest in auto parts distribution and HERE to explore training programs that can take your career to the next level.  In this episode, Michael Doherty gives you tips on how to provide exceptional customer experience as a service advisor. Michael stresses the importance of first impressions and the need to...

Top Tips for Managing Parts As An Advisor 07.02.2025

Today, Michael Doherty tells you why it's important to have efficient parts processes in place, such as setting up a Bluetooth doorbell to improve awareness when parts arrive. What do you do with the parts once they arrive, though? That's another key step, and he shares that in today's episode.   00:00 "Office Efficiency in Parts Management" 04:41 Ensuring Quality and Accountability 10:06 Top 20 C...

Kacie Presnall's Advice to Advisors 31.01.2025

Thanks to our sponsor WorldPac and the WorldPac Training Institute (WTI)! TOUCH HERE for the latest in auto parts distribution and HERE to explore training programs that can take your career to the next level.  Today, Chris is joined by Kacie Presnell. Kacie shares her thoughts from her experience in improving service advisor's skills. A key focus she stresses is to personalize communication with...

Why Technicians Make Great Service Advisors - Chris Cotton Explains 24.01.2025

Thanks to our sponsor WorldPac and the WorldPac Training Institute (WTI)! TOUCH HERE for the latest in auto parts distribution and HERE to explore training programs that can take your career to the next level.  In this episode, Chris Cotton gives you tips on why technicians can make fantastic service advisors. He addresses common concerns with transitioning technicians to these roles, such as lack...

Are Safety Protocols Important for Auto Repair Shops? 17.01.2025

Thanks to our sponsor WorldPac and the WorldPac Training Institute (WTI)! TOUCH HERE for the latest in auto parts distribution and HERE to explore training programs that can take your career to the next level.  Today, Michael tells you how important CPR training and acquiring an AED are for automotive shops. He also talks about the value of having clearly defined core values that guide the whole t...

How to Master Scheduling and Service Bay Utilization as a Service Advisor 10.01.2025

Thanks to our sponsor WorldPac and the WorldPac Training Institute (WTI)! TOUCH HERE for the latest in auto parts distribution and HERE to explore training programs that can take your career to the next level.  Michael Doherty discusses the complexities of scheduling and service bay utilization today. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing the value of each incoming client call and the role o...

Vision High Tech Expo 2025 Preview 27.12.2024

Thanks to our sponsor WorldPac and the WorldPac Training Institute (WTI)! TOUCH HERE for the latest in auto parts distribution and HERE to explore training programs that can take your career to the next level.  In this episode, Michael Dougherty takes you through the A to Z of service advising, detailing individual traits and practices crucial for industry success. Michael shares his excitement ab...

End-of-Year Reflections and Morning Routines for Service Advisors 20.12.2024

Thanks to our sponsor WorldPac and the WorldPac Training Institute (WTI)! TOUCH HERE for the latest in auto parts distribution and HERE to explore training programs that can take your career to the next level.  Michael Doherty discusses daily routines, parking lot scans, and communication plans for service advisors. He emphasizes the importance of a consistent morning routine to start the day ener...

Navigating Auto Repairs as a Woman with Aunt Jay 13.12.2024

Thanks to our sponsor WorldPac and the WorldPac Training Institute (WTI)! TOUCH HERE for the latest in auto parts distribution and HERE to explore training programs that can take your career to the next level.  Aunt Jay shares her experiences with automotive repair shops, highlighting the challenges she faced being taken seriously as a female customer. Michael provides insights on the importance o...

How to Turn Challenges into Opportunities for Service Advisors 06.12.2024

Thanks to our sponsor WorldPac and the WorldPac Training Institute (WTI)! TOUCH HERE for the latest in auto parts distribution and HERE to explore training programs that can take your career to the next level.  Michael Doherty dives into his experiences as a Service Advisor and how he learned to navigate common challenges. He discusses the importance of identifying and mitigating "uncontrollable v...

Common Challenges for Service Advisors and How to Overcome Them with Chris Cotton 29.11.2024

Thanks to our sponsor WorldPac and the WorldPac Training Institute (WTI)! TOUCH HERE for the latest in auto parts distribution and HERE to explore training programs that can take your career to the next level.  Find Chris Cotton and AutoFix AutoShop Coaching here Michael Doherty is joined by Chris Cotton, a seasoned automotive coach and shop owner. Chris shares his decision to manage a shop in Dur...

Lessons from the Movie Pulp Fiction? Michael's Help for Service Advisors 22.11.2024

Thanks to our sponsor WorldPac and the WorldPac Training Institute (WTI)! TOUCH HERE for the latest in auto parts distribution and HERE to explore training programs that can take your career to the next level.  In this episode, Michael Doherty delves into the multifaceted role of service advisors, drawing a comparison to the character Winston Wolf from Pulp Fiction as a professional problem solver...

Daily Habits You NEED for Effective Service Advising! 15.11.2024

Thanks to our sponsor WorldPac and the WorldPac Training Institute (WTI)! TOUCH HERE for the latest in auto parts distribution and HERE to explore training programs that can take your career to the next level.  Today, Michael Doherty discusses the importance of a structured Service Advisor Audit. He emphasizes how correct vehicle check-in pictures, including detailed documentation of odometer read...

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