Beyond the Wrench

Stephanie Stanke, Owner of Wooster's Garage, brings a fresh perspective in this week’s episode on how our industry can address one of its most significant shortcomings—the technician shortage. Stephanie discusses the importance of collaborating with local youth and schools, how she has built alliances with her competitors, and ways the industry can attract more female technicians. (2:07) Step...

As a shop manager or owner, it is crucial to establish effective communication and build relationships with your technicians. As a Commercial Supervisor of James Matthews Ford, Jon Boyd understands this task better than most. During this episode, Jon shares how he manages his diverse team and discusses ways shops can improve their technicians’ lives. (1:46) Jon’s Career (12:22) Getting Honest Feed...

In this bonus episode, we replay a recent WrenchWay roundtable discussion about flat rate. Our panelists Russel Wickham from Country II and Jon Boyd from James Matthews Ford, LLC. engage in conversation about their opinions on flat rate and how it’s impacting the industry. They also give advice on how to improve the flat rate system along with more insight on how flat rate impacts technicians. (7:...

Danny Combs, Founder of Teaching the Autism Community Trades (TACT) and father of an autistic child, explains the common misunderstandings of autism and how his team is teaching autistic kids technical skills so they can have a career in skilled trades. Danny’s passion that he has for his students, the autism community, and skilled trades is truly unmatched. You don’t want to miss this episode and...

In this episode, Jay Goninen is joined by Mark Wilson, Co-Founder & CEO, and Sara Kerwin, Director of Marketing at WrenchWay, to discuss the unfiltered truth about WrenchWay’s three-year journey in the automotive & diesel industry. The team discusses lessons they’ve learned, changes they’d like to see in the industry, and some hard truths that shops and dealers need to hear. Plus, they giv...

Jason Olinger, Lead Automotive Technician at Gwatney Chevrolet is back on Beyond the Wrench! In this week’s episode, Jason explains how he has helped build and grow his shop’s apprenticeship program and shares key lessons he has learned along the way. (7:27) Starting an Apprenticeship Program (18:59) Choosing Mentors & Curriculum (25:45) Exploring Different Teaching Methods (37:31) Quarterly C...

Get ready for a jam-packed episode where we talk about the secret weapon of technicians: Communication! Join us as we chat with Zach Espinosa, Automotive Technician at Dolan Toyota. We talk about how he has mastered the skill of communication, the importance of face-to-face interactions with technicians, and how we need to build a technician community. (2:53) Zach’s Career Progression (16:53) Comm...

In this bonus episode, we replay our previous roundtable discussion on flexible scheduling in shops. Our panelists, Arvin Marino from Toyota Seattle and Crystal Terrell from Leonard Bus Sales, Inc., explain how effective communication and culture in your shop can create flexible scheduling opportunities. They also discuss the future of flexibility and give tips on how shops can adjust to flexible...

Houman “HK” Kashanipour, CEO & President of Alliant Power, joins us to talk about the changes and growth diesel shops are facing. HK also discusses the changes Alliant Power has gone through, what it will take to attract future diesel technicians, and how dealers can stay profitable while the industry changes. (1:32) Growing & Serving Customers (10:46) Rebranding Alliant Power (18:06) Keep...

In this week’s episode, Jon Olstad from Walser Polar Chevrolet explains lessons he learned as he went from technician to team lead at the dealership where he has been working for 20+ years. Jon also offers interview advice, provides ways technicians can have a growth mindset, and talks about how he mentors his peers. (1:08) Creating a Team Between Parts & Service (8:17) Two-Sided Technician In...

Host an art gallery at the shop, get food trucks, or even put on a jazz festival! Shop owners and managers, take your solution-seeking personality of fixing cars and add a community element to your business. In this week’s episode, Frank Leutz who is the Founder of Desert Car Care and Founder & Host of WrenchNation, talks about how to get creative, select a budget, and choose themes to turn yo...

There are a lot of gaps in the industry regarding pay, culture, and more that are affecting our ability to attract the next generation of technicians. In this episode, John Fallows, Industry Development Specialist at the School District of Philadelphia, shares what his students are facing when entering the industry, ways shops can better structure their internship programs, and how he has built cr...

Employees need the shop and the shop needs employees. Simple as that, right? In this week’s episode, Fred Gestwicki Jr, President of Fix-it With Fred, LLC, gives examples on the benefits of being flexible with your staff, explains the importance of understanding your employee’s point of view, and shares a number of management stories from over the years. (5:22) How Recruiting Has Changed (22:57) B...

William (Bill) Demaree who is the Corporate Director of Fixed Operations at Tom Wood Group joins us on this week’s episode to walk us through his journey in automotive. He also discusses how his group prioritizes their core values and different ways to recruit shop employees. “You have to find talent where they’re at.” - Bill Demaree, Tom Wood Group (1:00) Bill’s Career in Automotive (13:14) Impor...

Victoria Thomas, CFO & Co-Owner of Kellymoss Inc. joins us on this week’s episode to discuss the growth that comes from failure and having the right mindset. Victoria and host, Jay Goninen, also cover the lack of women in automotive, the value of telling your story, and how to overcome the financial barrier of motorsports to get started in racing. (1:51) Victoria’s Background (16:03) The Story...

Warning: This podcast covers topics that may be intense to some listeners. Viewer discretion is advised. Are you happy as a technician? Why or why not? Is it your work environment or personal life affecting your happiness? In this week’s episode, Joshua Taylor who is the Founder of Wrench Turners Online and Just Work Hard Consulting, dives deep into the mental wellness of technicians. Joshua share...

We hear a lot of shops say, “For insurance reasons, my shop can’t hire workers who are under 18-years-old.” Our response to them is usually, “Are you sure?” In this week’s podcast, Matthew White who is the Bureau Director at the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, educates us on how easy it can be to hire youth apprentices, and offers useful employment resources for shops and employees....

Andrew Batenhorst, Body Shop Manager at Pacific BMW, brings progressive thinking to the collision repair industry. In this episode, hear how he is going above and beyond to improve the industry, the ways he keeps in touch with his staff, and how he introduced meditation at the shop. (6:29) Andrew’s Background (13:08) Struggling to Find Talent (24:34) Keeping Staff Happy (38:07) Meditating at the S...

Craig Tomczyk, the Auto/Diesel Technician at FirstGroup America, gets technical in this week’s episode. Listen in as he breaks down his career, covers the importance of understanding and bettering your operational knowledge, discusses his diagnostic process, and much more. (1:28) Craig’s Journey to Becoming a Technician (13:07) Importance of the Theory of Operation (21:42) Steps in the Diagnostic...

Kathleen’s drive and passion are contagious in this week’s episode! Tune in to hear Kathleen Long, Chief Revenue Officer at RepairPal, cover the positive impact of being transparent with your technicians, the true value of networking, and the importance of investing and measuring your business correctly. (3:03) Kathleen’s Background (12:48) Definition of Networking (26:20) Shops Investing in Their...

Should shops pay technicians for their inspection time? Tune into this week’s episode to hear Murray Voth, President of RPM Training, answer the “tough” questions, discuss what it means for your shop to be a thought influencer in the community, and cover the importance of identifying your strengths and weaknesses. (7:57) Identifying Strengths & Weaknesses (14:15) Thought Influencing (23:56) Fe...

As the Owner of Auto Express of Hamilton, Josh Sellers has grown a lot and is still growing from his experiences. Tune into this episode to hear some lessons he has learned during customer interactions, find out the importance of listening to your staff and peers, and gain tips for building an amazing shop culture. (6:44) Learning from Other Shops (16:47) Good Shop Culture (36:51) Evolving into a...

The workforce has changed since generation “why” grew up and stopped conforming to yesterday’s habits. Eric Chester, Founder of The Center for Work Ethic Development and author of several leadership books, understands this more than most. Listen in on this episode to learn more about what it means to be relentlessly recruiting, how to evolve your shop with the changing workforce, and much more! (1...

From starting out with a career in journalism to now being a technician, Russell Wickham has had a unique journey. In this episode, Russell breaks down his career path, stresses the importance of having a positive attitude, and offers his advice to shops that are struggling to recruit technicians. (6:26) Certified Tech vs. Experienced Tech (12:37) Russell’s Background (29:57) Raises & Performa...

Not only do we need more technicians in the industry, but there is also a massive shortage of females working in automotive. In this week’s episode, we are joined by Jessica Toliuszis, Chair of Women in Auto Care, to discuss tips for managing female technicians, barriers to entry in the industry for females, and much more. (5:21) Jessica’s Career Path (11:14) Automotive Industry & Attracting F...