Beyond the Wrench

Learn the importance of valuing your technicians, discover effective strategies on how to transition out of flat rate, and explore ways the auto industry can improve technicians’ career paths. Immerse yourself in Aleck's passion for the automotive industry in this week's episode! View the video podcast on YouTube About Our Guests: Dr. Thomas Litzinger Executive Director, University of th...

Learn the importance of valuing your technicians, discover effective strategies on how to transition out of flat rate, and explore ways the auto industry can improve technicians’ career paths. Immerse yourself in Aleck's passion for the automotive industry in this week's episode! View the video podcast on YouTube About Our Guest: Aleck Brownstein Regional Vice President, Volvo Car USA al...

Born and raised in a dealership, Jim’s evolving passion for the automotive industry has blossomed into key advice on what it takes to create a great shop. From the importance of evaluating financial statements to the process of rebuilding dealerships in crisis, Jim breaks down his expertise in this week’s episode of Beyond the Wrench. View the video podcast on YouTube About Our Guest: Jim Phillips...

As a master technician with over 20 years of experience and a public figure within the industry, Bogi has a unique message to share. Discover the challenges she and other women face in the shop, the significant impact respect for technicians can have, and the changes the automotive industry has undergone over the years. View the video podcast on YouTube About Our Guest: Bogi Lateiner Host of All G...

Dealers come together, share best practices, evaluate each other's businesses, and grow together. Learn how valuable peer performance groups can be to dealers, explore how to support the career development of aging technicians, and dive into the evolution of the equipment industry. View the video podcast on YouTube (1:38) George’s Background (14:46) Performance Dealer Groups (24:30) Evolution...

We explore Josh’s career in automotive, discuss his decision to become an instructor, and he shares key advice for young technicians on how to find good managers and mentors. Our team is taking a couple of weeks off the podcast for the holidays. We would like to thank you for all of your support, wish you Happy Holidays, and we will see you in 2024! (3:00) Josh’s Career in Auto (12:51) Diverse Bac...

Enjoy this previously recorded webinar where WrenchWay Co-Founders, Jay Goninen and Mark Wilson, discussed the findings from WrenchWay’s 2023 Voice of Technician Survey. With over 650 responses from technicians, students, and other industry professionals, the survey uncovered feedback on job satisfaction levels, what individuals look for in an employer, and ways the industry can improve.  Links to...

Don’t miss Lisa McClease-Kelly’s unique advice for small businesses in this week’s episode of Beyond the Wrench. As Co-Owner of Network In Action Oregon and Kelly's Automotive, and with a background in nonprofits, Lisa offers a different perspective on ways shops can serve their community and staff. She also offers some other business advice on how shops can relay their values to their employ...

We are proud to welcome Daniel Diaz, Service Technician at Braman BMW Miami (and rising TikTok star)! In this episode, Daniel offers advice to young technicians on purchasing tools, encourages all technicians to keep learning, and emphasizes the importance of finding the right shop management and support as a new technician. (1:27) Tool Organization for Efficiency (12:51) Keeping Up with Technolog...

Bob Gaito, Chief Executive Officer at Auction Central and Principal at Exit5 Auto Group, shares his unique auction and dealership experience in this week’s episode. Bob dives into how online auctions operate and the role of auctions in the automotive industry. He also discusses the different career options available for technicians in the auction world, and provides advice for shops looking to buy...

Pride in your work and pride in the industry! In this week’s episode, Josh Arnold, Master Technician at Toyota & Subaru of Corvallis, radiates his contagious passion and positive attitude toward the automotive industry. Get an inside look at how to maintain a positive mindset in a challenging industry, the importance of having patience as a young technician, and the power of having a great men...

Veterans who have experience as military technicians offer a unique skill set that can bring significant value to shops and dealerships. In this bonus episode, we cover ways shops can recruit and retain veterans, how to evaluate appropriate pay and skill levels of techs, and offer tips for better communication with veteran techs. (5:15) Why Recruit Veterans? (11:02) Assisting with Tools (26:32) Co...

Culture is a big buzzword, but what does it actually mean? Dan Bredeson, Founder of Lead Front Consulting LLC and Author of the Amazon Bestseller "Seeds of Culture,” defines culture simply as, “how we do things.” In this episode, Dan breaks down all things culture, explains its historical significance, stresses the importance of building your credibility bank as a new leader, and so much more...

Shops need to be more transparent with their technicians about their financial standing, and technicians need better education on financial management and beyond. In this episode, Matt Fanslow, a Diagnostic Technician and Shop Manager at Riverside Automotive, delves into financial transparency and education, explains how positive technicians are the best salespersons for our industry, and offers g...

Arvin Merino, the Service Director of Toyota of Seattle and Honda of Seattle, joins us to discuss the remarkable shop culture within their shops. Arvin explains how listening to shop staff, fostering relationships outside of the shop, and placing a stronger emphasis on staffing and selecting individuals with the right personalities have contributed to the overall growth of their shop culture. (4:2...

Tara Topel joins us to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Topel's Service Center, Inc.! As a Co-Owner of an independent shop and towing center, Tara brings a unique perspective to the table. During the episode, she covers ways in which shops can support schools, emphasizes the importance of encouraging youth to join the trade, and stresses the significance of taking care of your technicians—pa...

This week, we welcome Tom Wozniak, Diesel Technology Instructor at Madison College, and two of his current students, Jacob Breunig and Max Richard. Together, they discuss the importance of having confidence and patience as young technicians, express concerns regarding the future of diesel, and emphasize the need for shops to establish career paths to retain technicians. (1:26) Guest Backgrounds (1...

Brandon Steckler, Technical Editor at Motor Age Magazine, takes us on a unique voyage through his automotive career. Moving from a technician role to becoming an instructor and eventually an author has provided Brandon with valuable industry insights. In this episode, he covers how to enhance our technician certification system, ways to gain a deeper understanding of younger technicians, and discu...

Allen Turner, Owner of Allen Turner Automotive Group, believes the most important people in his dealerships are his technicians. In this episode, we explore how Allen’s passion for automotive began, what a good shop culture looks like, and how he has grown his own roster of technicians. (1:06) Allen’s Passion for Automotive (10:49) Prioritizing Technicians (24:48) Good Shop Culture (40:41) Growing...

Tracey Hicks, Automotive Instructor at Frederick County Public Schools, gives us an inside look at what it’s like to build a high school auto program while gaining industry relationships. Tracey discusses the benefits of working with past graduates, the impact of industry support on his program, and the need to introduce trades to kids at a young age. (2:38) Tracey’s Teaching Journey (14:12) Benef...

David Mortlock, the Fixed Ops Director at Sheppard Auto Group, understands the importance of building relationships with his technicians. In this episode, David covers how to manage your P&L statement while growing and keeping techs happy, the importance of getting to know your techs and their goals, and the need to prioritize the technician and service advisor relationship. (16:55) Treating T...

Small but mighty, Madison Andrews, a technician at Group 1 Automotive, doesn't let her gender, size, or age stop her from excelling as a strong technician in the shop. In this episode, Madison discusses her automotive career, the impact good mentors can have on technicians, and what it's like being a female in the industry. (1:22) Madison’s Journey in Automotive (11:44) Joining Toyota’s...

Shops know the importance of working with local schools, and schools need support from industry—yet there is a disconnect. During this bonus episode, we dive into how shops can better grow their relationships with schools, the benefits of working with schools early on, and the importance of setting the right expectations for young technicians. (5:58) How Industry Currently Supports Schools (10:44)...

The popularity of merging and selling shops has really grown within the last decade. It can be a scary process for shop owners and their employees, but that is where Cole Strandberg, Principal at FOCUS Investment Banking, and his team come in. Tune into this episode to learn how to attract buyers to your shop and get educated on the merger and acquisition process.  (7:20) The M&A Process (14:2...

Adam Bryant, Shop Foreman of Enxing Kia, makes his second appearance on Beyond the Wrench this week! In this episode, Adam provides simple shop tasks young technicians can do to help make a positive impression. He also discusses why it is important to have confidence as a young tech and shop benefits to look for when seeking employment. (16:04) Simple Tasks to Increase Shop Efficiency (24:19) Be P...