Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z

Donny Seyfer from the National Automotive Service Task Force (NASTF) discusses the importance of ongoing training for technicians and the challenges they face in accessing information and tools. Seyfer emphasizes the need for collaboration with automakers and lawmakers to improve security measures and technical support. Show Notes Family Background and Career Journey (00:02:23) Donny Seyfer s...

Find out how the movie Mrs. Doubtfire relates to the automotive industry. Matt Fanslow explores the motivation behind self-improvement and giving credit when using someone else's knowledge or ideas. Show Notes Mrs. Doubtfire Movie Analysis (00:01:05) Analysis of the movie "Mrs. Doubtfire" and its characters, discussing the dynamics of the relationships and the impact on the main character's b...

In this episode of "Diagnosing the Aftermarket," host Matt Fanslow tackles the issue of motivating technicians to attend training. He shares personal experiences and the sacrifices he made to enhance his skills, acknowledging the difficulty of balancing training with work and family life. Matt discusses the intrinsic motivation required for technicians to seek training and the resistance some may...

Aircraft mechanic Alicia Pollock shares her journey from aspiring astronaut to aircraft mechanic, emphasizing the extensive documentation required in her field. She discusses the detailed record-keeping for each maintenance task, the specialized training for different aircraft components, and the importance of precision and safety. The conversation also highlights the rigorous testing and practica...

Matt Fanslow dives into personal territory, discussing his father's health and the impact it has had on his perspective. He reflects on the changing nature of his aspirations and the delicate balance between pursuing goals and being thankful for current blessings. Show Notes with Timestamps Father's Health Update (00:00:12) Matt discusses his father's health, including his assisted living, he...

Matt Fanslow and guest Margaret Light, a licensed marriage and family therapist, dive into the complexities of grief. They discuss the inevitability of loss, the importance of acknowledging grief, and strategies for self-support during the grieving process, such as maintaining routines and honoring loved ones. They also cover how to support others who are grieving, offering practical help and emot...

Matt Fanslow recounts the emotional journey of his father's sudden cardiac event days before Christmas 2023. He shares the shock and vulnerability felt during this crisis, the critical role of CPR performed by his brother, and the agonizing wait for medical updates. He describes the importance of empathy, direct communication from doctors, and maintaining hope amidst uncertainty. Matt's story unde...

Are shop owners blindly giving out benchmarks/blindly following them? Matt Fanslow, Jeff Barnes, and Bryan Pollack discuss the challenges in the automotive industry, including the overload of information, the lack of standard practices, and the need to understand specific business models. They also discuss the complications of hiring a diagnostic technician, the importance of career development op...

Matt Fanslow pays tribute to the late Jim Linder. Matt reflects on his experiences attending Linder's training classes and conferences, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning for technicians. Matt encourages listeners to remember influential figures in the automotive industry and to invest time in learning about their contributions. Show Notes with Timestamps Jim Linder's Legacy (00:01:...

Carm Capriotto and Matt Fanslow dive into the increasing role of technology in the automotive industry and how it's revolutionizing the way we approach vehicle repairs and maintenance. They propose the term "Technology Specialist" for automotive technicians, emphasizing the importance of their expertise. This designation not only acknowledges their expertise in handling advanced vehicle technology...

Recently, Matt and his wife, Danielle, embarked on a kitchen renovation journey. Danielle, like many customers, feared being taken advantage of during the process. These concerns may seem illogical to some, but the fear of not getting our money's worth is real and relatable. While listening to Danielle's worries, Matt was reminded of the movie "My Fair Lady." The character is willing to pay a shil...

Matt Fanslow discusses the importance of giving credit where it's due, using actor Bill Hader as an example. He links this to the automotive industry, emphasizing the need for managers and owners to acknowledge their employees' good work. Matt also highlights the significance of positive customer interactions and the role of humility, honesty, and modesty in enhancing a shop's reputation. Show Not...

Join Matt Fanslow as he answers some questions from his listeners in his 'mailbag.' Matt discusses the hiring bonus dilemma, compensation and profit sharing, the power of training, the flat rate pay system, book recommendations and how to create a network of industry peers. Have a question for Matt to answer? Email him at: mattfanslowpodcast@gmail.com Show Notes Hiring Bonuses for New Techs (00:02...

Recorded Live at AAPEX 2023, Bob Heipp discusses personal health issues, the importance of open communication and vulnerability, and the subsequent lifestyle changes he made. The conversation further delves into the significance of honesty in relationships, mindfulness, and overcoming addictive behaviors.  Show Notes Watch Full Video The Heart Attack Scare (00:02:05) Bob shares his exper...

Recorded Live at AAPEX 2023, Carm is joined in studio with Aftermarket Radio Network hosts Brian Walker and Matt Fanslow for milestone episode 900. Carm discusses the process of creating the podcast, the journey to expand to the Aftermarket Radio Network and how his daughter Tracy became a crucial part of the team, starting as an editor and eventually working full-time with him. Carm also reflects...

"I know that if your pay structure is set up around production, you've already lost if you're hiring a diag tech." Recorded Live at AAPEX 2023, Matt Fanslow is joined by Isaac Rodell and Rich Falco. Together, they discuss battery reconditioning, hybrid vehicle repairs, the role of diagnostic technicians and their pay structure, the importance of reaching out for support and education, and a discus...

"We're going to talk about loss aversion, which risk aversion is essentially you don't want to risk anything, right? You don't like uncertainty, and you're willing to lose out big due to uncertainty and miscalculation. Loss aversion is when human beings really are essentially wired to dislike the loss of anything more than they like the gain of anything. It's more painful to lose something than ga...

Drawing an unexpected parallel between the automotive and food industry, it comes down to maintaining quality and ensuring customer satisfaction. Tune in or watch as a video podcast on YouTube, as Matt Fanslow and Carm Capriotto compare the struggles of a restaurant owner and a shop owner as they watch 'Kitchen Nightmares 2023 Season 1 Episode 2.' Show Notes Watch Full Video Episode Watching "Kitc...

Matt Fanslow discusses the ASE Renewal App, its purpose, and the misconceptions surrounding it. The app is not just a testing tool but a platform for continuous learning. Show Notes: The purpose of the ASE Renewal App (00:01:16)  Role of ASE as a test developer and administrator (00:02:30)  The app's focus on continued education (00:03:45) E Benefits of continued education in the au...

Matt Fanslow shares his frustrating experience with Facebook and its lack of customer support. On October 2nd he encountered issues with his account being hacked, password resets, and changing email accounts. Matt expresses disappointment in Facebook's lack of support and contrasts it with other platforms like Google and Amazon. He also emphasizes the importance of two-factor authentication and sh...

Shame vs. Guilt : Margaret Light explains the difference between these two often confused emotions. Guilt is about feeling bad for doing something wrong, while shame is about feeling like a bad person. Guilt can motivate change, but shame can lead to negative self-critical thoughts and harm relationships. Show Notes The difference between shame and guilt (00:01:30)  Personal experience with s...

Matt Fanslow discusses the challenges and considerations of offering small engine repair services in an auto repair shop. He shares his personal experience with his grandparents' implement dealer and explains the low profitability of consumer-level products like chainsaws and lawn mowers. The concept of opportunity cost is emphasized, highlighting the potential loss of focusing on these additional...

Matt Fanslow is with Chad Austin, the owner of Austin Automotive in Canon City, Colorado. They discuss Chad's background as a mechanic and the challenges and successes of running a shop. They also discuss the importance of having the right tools for the job, the challenges of working on electronic modules, and the benefits of using digital tools in automotive repair. They touch on air conditioning...

Matt Fanslow, Pedro de la Torre, and Justin Morgan discuss the challenges and frustrations of working in the automotive industry. They talk about the difficulties of diagnosing and fixing cars, the pressure to perform, and the industry's changing landscape with new technologies and complex vehicles. They also touch on the importance of staying positive, time management, training, and skill develop...

Matt Fanslow explores the significance of leaving a legacy and acknowledging the contributions of others in our industry. He highlights the expertise of his friend Tommy Oliva in module cloning and programming and emphasizes the importance of giving credit to mentors and references. Matt draws inspiration from the entertainment industry, particularly actor Bill Hader, who credits his colleagues fo...